No charges for King County, WA Assessor accused of stalking ex-partner

King County assessor could be charged

Prosecutors could charge a King County official arrested on suspicion of stalking.

SEATTLE - Prosecutors declined to file charges against John Wilson, a King County Executive candidate accused of violating a protection order, stalking and harassing his ex-partner.

The King County District Court confirmed Wednesday that no charges had been filed against Wilson, who was arrested on investigation of domestic violence felony stalking. He was released unconditionally from King County Jail.

Snohomish County prosecutors handled the case to avoid a potential conflict of interest with King County staff.

Who is John Wilson?

The backstory:

John Wilson, the King County Assessor and a current candidate for King County Executive, was arrested for investigation of stalking and violating a domestic violence protection order. He waived his right to appear in court on Wednesday when a judge set his bail at $50,000.

Court documents show Wilson's former domestic partner, Lee Keller, filed for the protection order in May, citing fear that Wilson’s behavior would "continue and get worse without it."

She said since the order was granted, Wilson has repeatedly violated it—driving past her home, calling and leaving voicemails, posting photos of her on social media, and even confronting her in person. Wilson’s attorney argued that there had been no threats of physical assault, stating, "There are allegations that he's violated an order for protection. That’s it."

Keller insists the violations have escalated in aggression.

What they're saying:

The King County Council has since passed a vote of no confidence in Wilson, calling on him to resign and end his campaign for county executive.

On social media, Wilson responded: "I will NOT resign."

"We all have a right to vote for who we want, and the voters will speak in August," Keller said.

Editor's note: An earlier version of this story read "no charges would be filed against Wilson." The correct statement from King County District Court read "no charges have been filed." It is an important distinction and the story has been corrected.

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