PORT TOWNSEND — A 46-year-old man who police said was caught in the act of stealing more than $9,000 from the Port Townsend Golf Club in July faces more than six years in prison.
Clallam County Superior Court Judge Ken Williams found Eric Orville Waldenburg of Kingston guilty of second-degree burglary, first degree theft and possession of burglary tools, according to a statement from the Port Townsend Police Department.
The case was heard in Clallam County because Jefferson County Superior Court Judge Craddock Verser had recused himself.
Chris Ashcraft, Jefferson County deputy prosecuting attorney, said he will seek a sentence of 80 months in prison — a little more than 6½ years — which is close to the maximum the law allows in this circumstance.
Waldenburg’s attorney, Richard Davies of Jefferson Associated Counsel, said in court that he wants Waldenburg to receive a post-conviction Drug Court sentence.
On July 1, Port Townsend Police Officers Luke Bogues and Ryan Smith investigated a burglar-alarm activation at 9:45 p.m., and found Waldenberg placing items into a duffel bag that was on the floor of the pro shop.
The officers confronted Waldenberg, who initially gave his name as “Dave.”
When Waldenberg attempted to walk past the officers, they forced him to the ground and placed him in handcuffs.
After confirming that there were no other people in the building, the officers took Waldenberg into custody.
Police found several bank-money bags inside Waldenberg’s duffel bag that belonged to the golf club.
The bags had been removed from a safe that “appeared to have a faulty lock mechanism that caused it to easily open,” Bogues said at the time.
Also in the duffel bag was a metal pry bar that matched the marks on the door that were made when it was forced open.
Golf club personnel later said the break-in caused about $600 in damage to the door and frame.
Waldenburg’s record includes multiple felonies, including 20 stemming from a string of burglaries in Montana where that state’s Department of Corrections currently has a detainer placed on Waldenburg, should he be released from custody locally, police said
A sentencing date has not been scheduled.
Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.