A Lakewood police officer charged with siphoning more than $150,000 from a charity intended to benefit the families of four slain colleagues has been fired, officials said Monday.
The officer, Skeeter Timothy Manos, also faces a new investigation into allegations he embezzled campaign contributions from a fellow officer’s legislative campaign, KIRO TV reported Monday.
City Manager Andrew Neiditz fired Manos on Friday based on the recommendation of Police Chief Bret Farrar. Manos’ termination was announced Monday in a news release.
Farrar cited Manos’ alleged failure to obey all laws as the basis for his firing.
“I felt I had enough information on hand, and I felt it was the right thing to do,” the chief said.
The firing came two days after federal prosecutors accused Manos of stealing charitable contributions meant for the families of Sgt. Mark Renninger and officers Tina Griswold, Greg Richards and Ronald Owens. The four were gunned down Nov. 29, 2009, at a Parkland coffee shop.
Prosecutors allege Manos, while acting as the treasurer for the Lakewood police guild, took donations intended for the families between January 2010 and February 2011. He deposited them into an account he’d secretly set up.
Prosecutors allege Manos got an ATM card and used the siphoned donations to buy appliances, snowboarding gear and truck accessories and to gamble at casinos in Pierce and Thurston counties.
A fellow officer, Jeremy Vahle, uncovered the secret account last month.
Manos, 34, pleaded not guilty to the accusations Wednesday in U.S. District Court. He was released on his own recognizance. If convicted as charged, he could face up to 20 years in prison.
Farrar said his department had been conducting an internal investigation of Manos as the criminal investigation was under way.
Manos didn’t show up for a meeting with Farrar on Friday to discuss the internal investigation and get Manos’ explanation of what it had uncovered.
KIRO-TV reported the new investigation of Manos involves allegations he stole campaign contributions from fellow officer Brian Wurts, who ran unsuccessfully for a state House seat in 2010.
KIRO cited a brief conversation with Wurts, who said he was aware of the new allegations against Manos, but could not discuss them.
Wurts also said he had resigned as president of the Lakewood Police Guild, the department’s union.
Staff writers Adam Lynn and Sean Robinson contributed to this account.
Stacey Mulick: 253-597-8268
stacey.mulick@thenewstribune.com
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