June 23, 2010
The Associated Press
Chehalis woman sentenced in child custody case
CHEHALIS, Wash. — A Chehalis woman who had been charged with custodial interference for taking her 5-year-old son out of the country was sentenced to three months in jail. Karen Sudderth had pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor in a plea bargain with Lewis County prosecutors who recommended a 30-day sentence. But KELA reports Lewis County Superior Court Judge Nelson Hunt rejected the recommendation Wednesday and sentenced her to 180 days with credit for timed served, leaving 88 days. Sudderth said she fled the country with her son in 1996 because of her husband’s threats and abuse. He denies the allegations. She lived in Senegal and Thailand and returned last October with her son after he turned 18.
There has to be a better way.
My 14 year old daughter stated she was afraid of dad because he drinks a lot and often drives her around drunk. The different judges ordered a total of nine hair follicle and nail tests which he has, as of today, not produced. Judge Gonzales ordered two and he did not get any results, but still gave him custody of a scared little girl.
I believe there is another “Kids for Cash” scandal in King County, Washington at the Superior Court. I’ve requested an audit of Judge Dean S. Lum, Commissioners Leonid Ponomarchuk and Marilyn B. Sellers et al.