PORT ANGELES — Clallam County Undersheriff Rich Sill has been cleared of impropriety for transporting his 21-year-old son to the hospital after the son was injured in a motorcycle crash.
“I see no evidence of criminal intent or action by Undersheriff Sill,” county Prosecuting Attorney Deborah Kelly wrote Friday in a letter to Sheriff Joe Martin.
Kelly had said earlier last week that based on a briefing she had received about a State Patrol investigation of Sill, it was unlikely any charges would be filed against him for an alleged “criminal coverup.”
Martin, who is running for re-election against sheriff’s Sgt. Bill Benedict, had requested the State Patrol investigation.
State Patrol Detective David B. Killeen’s report said:
“At no time during the collision investigation of his son Jedidiah did Undersheriff Sill attempt to cover up facts or evidence or impede the investigation in any fashion.”
The investigation also found no evidence the son used alcohol or drugs the day of the crash.
Martin said in a statement:
“Clallam County citizens now know that there was no illegal or professional activity involved in the incident, and that all allegations of misconduct were unfounded.”
Sill, 54, said Monday that the events following his son’s accident had been “a little bit difficult.”
However, “the most important thing I’m happy about is that [Jedidiah] is safe.
“He’s doing great, and it’s a blessing that he’s in good shape and he’s recovering.”
Sill said his son has promised never to ride a motorcycle again.