PORT ANGELES — A Clallam County jury has convicted Montrel Sharpless of threatening to kill a 17-year-old boy in April, the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office announced.
Sharpless, 40, of Forks was convicted Wednesday of felony harassment-threats to kill after two days of witness testimony.
According to witnesses, Sharpless threatened to kill the boy during an altercation in his trailer at Rainforest Mobile Home Park in Forks on April 3, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Steve Johnson said in a news release.
Sharpless will be sentenced Aug. 24.
The victim’s father testified that he forced his way into the trailer and freed his son from Sharpless’ hold, Johnson said.
Sharpless claimed that he was looking for a knife during the scuffle, Forks police said in the affidavit for probable cause.
Neighbors testified that Sharpless confronted and threatened a man whom he believed was a bad influence on the boy after the altercation.
Forks Police Officer Brent Kempster testified that Sharpless continued to make graphic and violent comments after his arrest, saying he would stomp on the lawman’s face and eat his children, Johnson said.
The jury was unable to reach a verdict on a misdemeanor assault charge against Sharpless that involved the same boy.
Sharpless has past felony convictions in Clallam County and Virginia for assault of a police officer and misdemeanor convictions for assault, disorderly conduct and indecent exposure, Johnson said.
Sharpless faces a presumptive sentencing range of four to 12 months.
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Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 56450, or at rollikainen@ peninsuladailynews.com.
