King County deputy sentenced to 12 months in ‘corruption’ scandal

A former King County Sheriff’s deputy has pleaded guilty to prostitution, selling steroids and stealing ammunition in a corruption scandal that cost the 19-year-veteran his job.

Darrion Holiwell, 49, originally pleaded not guilty following his arrest, but changed his plea Monday in a surprise move after reaching a deal with prosecutors.

“I have embarrassed myself, my family, and my department,” he said as he read a statement to the court.

Holiwell pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree promoting prostitution, one count of first-degree theft and violation of the Uniform Controlled Substances Act.

Under terms of the agreement, Holiwell was sentenced to 12 months and one day in prison. King County Superior Court Judge Bruce E. Heller accepted the deal, calling it “lenient.” “You are a disgrace to your profession,” Heller told Holiwell.

The former deputy was a member of Tac-30, the department’s elite SWAT team, and served as chief firearms instructor at the county’s gun range in Ravensdale.

The investigation into Holiwell began in April, when accusations surfaced that he helped his estranged wife sell sex on BackPage.com.

During the prostitution investigation, it was discovered that Holiwell may have used and sold steroids, possibly to other members of the SWAT team. He was also accused of stealing brass shell casings and ammunition from the county’s gun range for years.

Sheriff John Uruhart fired Holiwell July 15 after an internal investigation.

“Darrion Holiwell violated his oath, the trust of his fellow deputies, and the trust of the citizens of King County,” Urquhart said in a statement after firing Holiwell. “He does not deserve to be a police officer.”

The sentence means Holiwell can no longer own or handle weapons. He must also serve 12 months of community custody following his release from prison.

Reporting by KIRO Radio’s Brandi Kruse is included in this report.