PORT ANGELES — A police sergeant cited for sportfishing violations has resolved his case by paying a $700 fine.
The gross misdemeanor charge against Port Angeles Police Detective Sgt. Erick Zappey, for taking more than the legal limit of crab, was dismissed last week in Clallam County District Court 1 after Zappey forfeited bail of $700 to resolve the misdemeanor crabbing violation.
By paying the amount, Zappey is neither convicted nor acquitted of the offense but rather just ends the charge against him, said Port Angeles attorney Craig Ritchie, who acted as special prosecutor in the case.
Paying the amount means Zappey also essentially “took the fall” for his wife, Rhonda, who was charged with the same violations in August, said Ritchie.
All charges dismissed
All charges against Rhonda Zappey were dismissed.
“I did with those folks exactly what I would have done with any two folks in the same situation,” Ritchie said Friday.
The Zappeys’ attorney, Thomas Olmstead of Poulsbo, said Erick Zappey received no favoritism and opted to forfeit bail in part so that he can return to work.
He has been on paid administrative leave since Aug. 11, three days after he was cited.
