By Jim Haley
Herald Writer
Snohomish County spent thousands of dollars prosecuting former sheriff’s deputy Chuck Adams for a 1999 on-duty rape of a 17-year-old girl.
Now, the county is at risk of losing millions more because of the conduct.
The young Lynnwood woman is seeking $2 million in the aftermath of the sexual assault, according to a damage claim filed recently with the clerk of the Snohomish County Council.
Adams was convicted in May of third-degree rape for forcing the girl to have sex in November 1999. He came across her at the scene of an automobile accident and drove her to a sheriff’s substation near Paine Field, supposedly to use the bathroom.
Instead, prosecutors alleged that he forced her into sex. Adams testified that the teen-ager initiated the sexual contact, and that it was consensual. A judge who found him guilty didn’t buy it.
He was sentenced to a year in jail.
The complaint alleges the county is liable for the woman’s injuries, which include panic attacks, nightmares, flashbacks and depression.
It alleges the county was negligent in the hiring, supervision and retention of Adams, who had worked six years for Snohomish County and was fired when the charges were filed.
The complaint also raises federal civil rights issues.
The woman continues to seek counseling for her injuries, the claim says.
No lawsuit has been filed, said Tom Fitzpatrick, assistant chief civil deputy prosecutor. The claim was filed Nov. 30, and the county has 60 days from then to decide how it will react. At the end of the period, the county could offer a settlement, reject the claim or do nothing. No lawsuit can be filed until the 60 days has run, Fitzpatrick said.
In the meantime, Fitzpatrick’s office will make a recommendation for action to either the Snohomish County executive or county council.
The executive’s office has authority to settle claims of less than $50,000, while anything more must go before the council, Fitzpatrick said.
The county isn’t conceding anything now.
"Certainly the county regrets what happened to (her). However, whether or not the county is ultimately responsible for Mr. Adams’ criminal activities is a matter of considerable debate and legal analysis," Fitzpatrick said.
"At this point, I can’t comment on what will be our ultimate analysis," he added.
Because of the allegations of civil rights violations, a possible lawsuit could be filed in U.S. District Court in Seattle, Fitzpatrick added. Allegations such as negligent hiring could be resolved in Snohomish County Superior Court.
You can call Herald Writer Jim Haley at 425-339-3447 or send e-mail to
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
