No criminal charges will be filed against Pacific Mayor Cy Sun or police officers who the mayor accused of roughing him up when they arrested him in July, the King County Sheriff's Office announced Thursday.
On July 18, Pacific City Council President Leanne Guier made a formal request that the sheriff's office conduct an independent investigation into allegations of misconduct by some of the city police officers.
Officers earlier had arrested the mayor for allegedly attempting to get into the City Clerk's Office, from which he had been banned. Sun said the officers had roughed him up during the arrest. He was later released.
The King County Sheriff's Office asked the Washington State Patrol to investigate the allegations against the police officers, while the sheriff's office investigated the allegations against the mayor.
"The sheriff’s office conducted an extensive investigation, which included allegations of destroying public records, assaulting employees and intimidating a public servant," the sheriff's office said in a statement issued Thursday. "The sheriff’s office submitted their findings to the King County Prosecutor's Office. After reviewing the investigation, the prosecutor's office determined that no charges would be filed due to a lack of evidence that a crime was committed.
"The Washington State Patrol has also completed its portion of the investigation, which focused on alleged misconduct by city of Pacific police officers. After discussion with, and review by prosecutors, it was determined there is no evidence to justify proceeding with criminal charges against any of the officers," the statement said.
After the mayor was arrested, he tried to fire four police officers, saying they were being discharged for “unlawful anarchy and mutiny against the city of Pacific” and “gross insubordination."
But the Pacific Police Department released a statement that said the police union and city attorney told the officers to continue to work. They argued that Sun did not follow the proper procedures in dismissing the officers.
The department also said they had received a number of calls from residents about the officers' discharge and expressed safety concerns.
Sun has come under fire from members of the City Council and other opponents, with many saying that he abuses his position in the small city.
City Council members also delivered a "no confidence" vote in Sun.
But Sun hasn't given up on his position and cites his campaign platform of "cleaning up" City Hall as the impetus for his actions.
Sun was elected mayor last year in a write-in vote.
The city of Pacific, with a population of about 6,500, is east of Interstate 5 between Seattle and Tacoma.
