Lakewood Chief seeks your voice in embezzlement sentencing

Sgt. Mark Renninger, and Officers Tina Griswold, Ronald Owens, and Greg Richards were shot and killed Nov. 29, 2009 in a coffee shop. (AP file photo)

Lakewood Police Chief Bret Farrar joins the Ron and Don Show today to ask for your help.

You may know the story of Skeeter Manos, a former officer who served as treasurer of the Lakewood Police Independent Guild. Manos was fired in February, and charged with embezzling more than $120,000 from the fund intended to help families of the slain “Lakewood Four,” Sgt. Mark Renninger and Officers Tina Griswold, Ronald Owens and Greg Richards.

Manos allegedly used the money for “personal use and pleasure,” including purchases at Costco, Home Depot and REI, plane tickets to Las Vegas, and cash withdrawals at several casinos, both in Las Vegas and in Washington state.

This case has understandably created outrage and disbelief throughout the community. Many feel betrayed by the actions of this former officer, who was charged with safeguarding donations for the Lakewood Four families. “One of my biggest fears is that the public will feel somehow tricked by this and wonder in the future if they donate to a family in need that it might not go to where it was intended,” says Farrar.

If you gave to the Lakewood Four Memorial Fund, Chief Farrar would like YOUR voice to be heard by the judge in charge of sentencing Skeeter Manos. Between now and May 1, please download the attached “Victim Impact Statement” (pdf) to share your thoughts on how this case has made you feel, and what you want the judge to know about how Skeeter Manos’ actions have impacted the community.

Then you can print & mail the statement to:

ATT: Chief Brett Farrar
9401 Lakewood Dr. SW
Lakewood, WA
98499

Your statement will be included in the pre-sentence investigation report which will be reviewed by the judge, the defense counsel, the defendant and the prosecutor before Skeeter Manos is sentenced. This is not a public document.

Chief Farrar says this simple message can make a big difference: “When people who are deeply affected by a crime take the time to sit down and write the judge a personal note on how this made them feel and how it impacted their lives, the judges really do take that into consideration.”

This is your chance to share your feelings about the crime and possibly have an impact on what the judge decides in sentencing. Thank you and good luck!