Island County Republican charged with felony for violating mask mandate. Is it politically motivated?

Former Island County GOP Chair Tim Hazelo finds himself in the middle of a legal battle for not complying with an election office mask mandate. And he thinks politics are playing a role.  

During last year’s November election cycle, Island County Auditor Sheilah Crider instituted a mask mandate at election offices. The first person to be cited was former Vice Chair of the Island County GOP Tracy Abuhl when she refused to wear a mask while ballots were being tabulated back in October.  

A few days later, Hazelo was confronted by an office manager for not wearing a mask. 

“I said, ‘Show me an RCW or a legislative rule that says that this is legitimate.’ She couldn’t do it… A few minutes later, the sheriff comes in, escorts me out. I wasn’t resistant. I wasn’t violent. There was no disruption,” Hazelo told “The Jason Rantz Show” on KTTH.  

Eventually, Hazelo was escorted out by Sheriff’s deputies for not wearing a mask.  

Politically motivated charges?

The charges were brought by far-left Island County prosecutor Greg Banks, who has a checkered past in regards to his comments about conservatives and Trump. 

“I go to court and lo and behold, guess who’s Zooming in as the prosecutor in this low level, the lowest possible criminal charge you can get? The chief prosecutor of Island County, Greg Banks. Weird,” said a bemused Hazelo.  

So does Hazelo believe this prosecution is entirely political?  

“If he wouldn’t have filed a felony charge for something totally crazy that doesn’t even apply here, I wouldn’t have thought about it. But you add all these things together… and you got to start thinking,” said Hazelo.  

Despite pressure from the prosecution, Hazelo said he will not plead guilty and will continue to fight. His court date is set for Wednesday, February 26th at 8:30 a.m. at the Island County Superior Courthouse in Coupeville. 

Listen to the full interview with Hazelo below.

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