Toilet Seats, 4 Vacuums Among Items Chief May Have Bought In Spree

A former police chief who may have a penchant for cleaning supplies is under investigation and suspected of shopping at taxpayer expense, reported KIRO 7 Eyewitness News.

Former Montesano Police Chief Ray Sowers is accused of using city money to buy things for himself and using a city gas card to fill up his personal vehicles.

Thurston County Deputy Prosecutor Andrew Toynbee is reviewing a Washington State Patrol investigation into Sowers’ purchases which may total more than $10,000 in 18 months.

“I believe there were four vacuum cleaners, toilet seats, cleaning supplies, laundry detergent, cameras, computers, things like that,” said Toynbee. “Things that were never used for the city Police Department.”

KIRO 7 reporter Richard Thompson was unsuccessful in contacting the former chief, who was reduced in rank to sergeant and is currently on unpaid leave waiting to learn if he will face felony criminal charges.

“Being a taxpayer, where’s my money going? You know, for somebody to be doing that – what? That’s extra fringe benefits? I don’t think so,” said Montesano resident Gary Webb.

Officials with the Thurston County Prosecutor’s Office said they hope to make a decision on whether to file criminal charges against the former chief by the beginning of next week.