Port Angeles man sentenced for supergluing ATMs

PORT ANGELES — A Port Angeles man has been sentenced to eight months in jail for putting superglue onto card readers and key pads of several ATMs last September.

Charles Alan Johnson, 66, pleaded guilty Thursday to two counts of second-degree malicious mischief for physical damage exceeding $750.

Two other counts of second-degree malicious mischief and a single count of custodial assault were dismissed in exchange for the guilty plea.

Johnson will receive credit for the 7 ½ months he already has served in the Clallam County jail.

Port Angeles police alleged that Johnson applied superglue to the faces of several ATM machines at local banks over Labor Day weekend.

Johnson’s image was captured on bank surveillance footage, which led to his arrest.

Johnson was later charged with custodial assault for allegedly throwing a cup of milk in a corrections deputy’s face Sept. 18.

Clallam County Superior Court Judge Erik Rohrer imposed the sentence as recommended by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Sarah Woolman and defense attorney Douglas Kresl.

Kresl said medication and housing issues led to a “downward spiral” for his client.

“He seemed to be doing well, and then about a year ago he kind of took a turn,” Kresl said at the sentencing hearing.

Johnson, who suffers from bipolar disorder, had his competency restored at Western State Hospital and was declared fit to stand trial Feb. 22, court paper said.

“He was restored rather quickly,” Kresl said.

“He’s been very polite, knowledgeable and cooperative. The way he came in was drastically different than the person you see today.”

Johnson was ordered to pay $2,932 in restitution to U.S. Bank, $2,295 in restitution to Strait View Credit Union and $409 in restitution to Wells Fargo Bank.

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Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 56450, or at rollikainen@peninsuladailynews.com.