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July 25th, 2006

PROSECUTING ATTORNEY ANNOUNCES CONVICTIONS IN MOUNT VERNON DRIVE-BY SHOOTING AND CHILD MOLESTATION JURY TRIAL

SKAGIT COUNTY - Skagit County Prosecuting Attorney Tom Seguine announced today the guilty plea and sentencing from a drive-by shooting and the guilty verdict in a rape trial in two separate court cases.

On Monday, July 24, 2006, Nathan Wilcox plead guilty to four counts of Drive-By Shooting, one count of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm and two counts of Possession and Delivery of Methamphetamine.   Judge Susan Cook accepted Wilcox’s guilty plea as well as an agreed recommendation by defense and the prosecutor’s office of 110 months (9 years 1 mo) for Wilcox’s involvement in the drive-by shooting on North 30th St. in August 2005. Wilcox intentionally discharged a firearm at the Mount Vernon residence in retaliation for earlier violence against one of his friends. According to the investigation, Wilcox had actually picked the wrong house on the wrong street. The bullets entering the innocent house did not strike any occupants. Judge Cook also denied Wilcox’s request for a temporary jail release. Wilcox will be transferred to the Department of Corrections immediately. Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Erik Pedersen handled the Wilcox prosecution. A Seattle attorney represented Mr. Wilcox.

During the week of July 17, 2006, a Skagit County jury convicted Jesse Dean Lederle, DOB 1/24/84, of one count of Child Molestation after deliberating for about one hour. The case stemmed from an incident in June of 2004, when Lederle had inappropriate sexual contact with a thirteen year old female. As a result of the conviction, Lederle is subjected to a sentencing range of 36-48 months with the Department of Corrections. Sentencing is scheduled for September 7, 2006, after a report from the Department of Corrections is produced. Mr. Lederle also has other pending charges in Superior Court. The case was investigated by the Skagit County Sheriff’s office. Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Erika Soublet handled the case for the prosecutor’s office. Mr. Lederle was represented by Kelli Armstrong. The Honorable John Meyer presided over the trial in Skagit County Superior Court.

Prosecuting Attorney Tom Seguine said, “These are two examples of experienced law enforcement and experienced prosecution working in sync to deliver community safety. Confining these offenders will prevent them from menacing Skagit County in the future. Congratulations are in order for all the people who worked on these cases to achieve these results.”

For further information contact Tom Seguine at 360-336-9460.