COUPEVILLE — A former Coupeville deputy marshal has pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct for yelling at his ex-girlfriend outside the police station in 2007. He will avoid jail time and additional charges if he follows court orders.
Hodges Gowdey III, 44, initially was charged with domestic- violence unlawful imprisonment and tampering with a witness.
Investigators alleged that after the argument at the police station, Gowdey followed the woman, pulled her over and handcuffed her on the side of the road. He also was accused of telling the woman not to talk about what happened.
The allegations came to light in 2014 as the Coupeville Marshal’s Office was dissolved and merged into the Island County Sheriff’s Office.
Gowdey had applied for a job at the sheriff’s office, and a background check turned up questions about domestic violence, court papers show. Gowdey had worked for the town of Coupeville for more than a dozen years.
He was placed on leave after his arrest. He was not hired by the sheriff’s office.
Gowdey’s employment with the town of Coupeville ended March 1, according to the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission. Gowdey’s certification as a peace officer lapses if he does not work as a full-time police officer again within two years.
Gowdey was ordered to pay nearly $1,500 in restitution.
The court will consider dismissing the case in February if Gowdey does not violate court orders, including a ban on contacting his ex-girlfriend.
Court records also show Gowdey was charged and acquitted of domestic violence 15 years ago in Issaquah.
Rikki King: 425-339-3449; rking@heraldnet.com.
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