A Port Angeles resident has entered not guilty pleas regarding allegations involving a loaded firearm and suspected narcotics discovered at a local gaming venue.
The 44-year-old defendant presented his plea before Clallam County Superior Court Judge Brent Basden on October 2. The charges, filed September 24 by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Seth Corley, include first-degree unlawful possession of a firearm and possession of methamphetamine.
According to an arrest report authored by Clallam County sheriff’s Deputy Martin Brazier, the investigation began on September 21 at the Elwha Casino located on Stratton Road. Security personnel located a blue jacket at a slot machine containing a loaded .38-caliber handgun and a small quantity of suspected methamphetamine.
The report details that the defendant later inquired with security regarding the missing jacket, at which point an Elwha police officer took him into custody. Surveillance footage reviewed by authorities indicated the defendant entered the facility wearing the jacket, sat at a machine, and removed the garment before departing. The jacket remained undisturbed until it was located by staff.
Following his arrest, the defendant reportedly informed officers that additional drugs were located in his pocket. A subsequent search conducted by a Port Angeles police officer uncovered further bags of suspected methamphetamine. He was booked into the Clallam County Jail.
Prosecutors allege the firearm count constitutes a Class B felony, asserting that a 2021 conviction for second-degree assault prohibits the defendant from possessing weapons. Court minutes indicate that during a September 22 preliminary appearance, prosecutors sought a bail amount of $10,000 while the defense argued for personal recognizance.
Judge Elizabeth Stanley ultimately ordered the defendant's release on personal recognizance. Conditions of that release restrict travel to Washington state, prohibit the possession of weapons, and forbid any drug use or possession not prescribed by a physician.
The defendant appeared without custody at the October 2 arraignment and is represented by Ari Goldstein of Clallam Public Defender. Judge Basden has scheduled a status hearing for 1 p.m. on November 13, with a two-day trial set to begin at 9 a.m. on December 14.