Stalking accusations lead to another restraining order against John Wilson, the King County Assessor.
King County Assessor Faces Second Restraining Order from Former Partner
John Wilson, the King County Assessor and a candidate for King County Executive, is facing another temporary restraining order issued by his former domestic partner, Lee Keller. This marks the second time Keller has sought legal protection against Wilson in less than a year.
The order, issued on May 13 in King County Superior Court, requires Wilson to maintain a distance of 1,000 feet from Keller. The order will remain in effect until a hearing scheduled for June 30.
Keller's court filing alleges that Wilson's actions have escalated and that she fears they may become more aggressive. These allegations have reignited calls for Wilson's resignation, following more than a decade in office.
Keller, a well-known public affairs consultant, previously filed for a restraining order against Wilson last year, accusing him of fabricating a police report and falsely accusing her former partner of sexual assault. After reconciling, they were engaged briefly earlier this year, but Keller confirmed on Thursday that the latest restraining order is a personal matter being resolved privately.
The two were registered domestic partners since 2023 but have filed to dissolve the partnership five times. Keller filed for dissolution a fifth time about two weeks ago, coinciding with the filing for the most recent restraining order.
Wilson initially agreed to an interview but later opted to remain silent upon advice from his attorney. Keller's court filing alleges that Wilson blames her for his political troubles and for a published story about the first restraining order. Keller also accuses Wilson of slamming his fist down on a restaurant table and verbally abusing her for the reported false allegations against her last year.
Wilson has served as King County Assessor since 2015 and announced his campaign for King County Executive last fall. He currently stands as one of three prominent candidates for the position, alongside County Councilmembers Claudia Balducci and Girmay Zahilay. Despite initially remaining silent, Balducci and Zahilay have since called for Wilson to drop out of the race and resign as assessor following the newest revelations.
According to Mary Ellen Stone, former director of the King County Sexual Assault Resource Center, it is significant when someone seeks protection from the legal system, particularly in an elected official.
As the controversy continues, Wilson's political future remains uncertain. The ongoing legal and ethical issues have raised questions about his suitability for the role of county executive, which includes oversight of law enforcement and human services programs that support survivors of intimate partner violence.
- The latest controversy surrounding King County Assessor John Wilson, a candidate for King County Executive, involves a second temporary restraining order issued by his former domestic partner, Lee Keller.
- Amidst the continuous legal battle and ethical concerns, general-news outlets are reporting on the local news of Seattle, focusing on the politics surrounding Wilson's political future.
- The escalating allegations and whirlwind of events, including claims of fabricated reports, verbal abuse, and fears of potential aggressive actions, have reignited discussions about crime-and-justice, especially considering Wilson's role in overseeing law enforcement and human services programs.
