King County Assessor booked into jail amid stalking allegations tied to ex-fiancée
Jul 3, 2025, 6:14 AM | Updated: 5:20 pm
King County Assessor John Wilson on "The Jake and Spike Show" on KIRO Newsradio. (Photo: Jonah Oaklief, KIRO Newsradio)
(Photo: Jonah Oaklief, KIRO Newsradio)
King County Assessor John Arthur Wilson was booked into the King County Jail overnight on suspicion of stalking and violating a court order, according to Seattle police and jail records.
Wilson was taken into custody Wednesday evening and held at the King County Jail downtown. Seattle Police Department (SPD) said the arrest stems from an ongoing case involving his former fiancée, Lee Keller, who previously obtained a restraining order against him.
“I’m here to tell you I’m very concerned about my safety,” Keller said in court. “I currently have an active restraining order in place, and John Wilson continues to violate it.”
John Wilson’s attorney, John Palito, countered, saying, “Ms. Keller has stated John Wilson has never assaulted her. There has never been any threats of physical assault. There are allegations that he violated an order of protection. That’s it. There have been cries for him to quit. He’s not going to.”
The arrest came just hours after Wilson posted a photo of himself dining at an upscale restaurant.
“Been a busy but great day,” the post read. “Came to one of my favorite places to have a great celebration. Yay!”
King County Assessor John Wilson denies allegations against him
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Wilson has publicly and repeatedly denied Keller’s claims, describing the legal battle as politically motivated. Earlier this month, he told KIRO Newsradio’s John Curley that he expected the restraining order to be dismissed soon.
“This is the third time that she has taken some action like this, and each and every time she has withdrawn it before it ever went to court,” Wilson said.
But Keller, in a statement issued through her attorney, said the order remains in effect and that she has no intention of dismissing it.
“I will not be changing my mind, despite his repeated efforts to coerce me to dismiss it,” Keller wrote. “A hearing on the restraining order will be held on June 30. I welcome the opportunity to address John’s reference to a signed agreement at that time and inform the court of John’s continuing violations of the very active restraining order.”
Wilson, who is running for King County Executive, has faced mounting political pressure in recent weeks. In June, the King County Council unanimously passed a vote of no confidence against him.
King County Council member Claudia Balducci issued a statement Thursday in response to Wilson’s arrest.
“It is clear that John Wilson needs to address his ongoing and escalating behavior and resign as county assessor. Alongside advocates for survivors of violence and intimate partner abuse, I have repeatedly called for Wilson to step aside,” she wrote. “For too long, we have allowed people in positions of power to be shielded from accountability for abusive behavior. The people and employees of King County deserve better from their leadership.”
Wilson’s bail is set at $50,000. He will be back in court on July 8 at 2 p.m.
Contributing: James Lynch, KIRO Newsradio
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