Not Guilty Plea for Teacher Accused of Sexual Misconduct

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By Chelsea Kopta

Summary

Longtime teacher William Pickerel pleaded not guilty to one count each of sexual misconduct with a minor in the first degree and second degree. Prosecutors formally charged him Wednesday in Benton County court.

Story Published: Oct 24, 2007 at 5:56 PM PST

Not Guilty Plea for Teacher Accused of Sexual Misconduct

William Pickerel in Benton County Court Wednesday. Prosecutors charged him with two counts of sexual misconduct with a minor in the first degree and one count in the second degree.

KENNEWICK -- Longtime teacher William Pickerel pleaded not guilty to one count each of sexual misconduct with a minor in the first degree and the second degree.

Prosecutors formally charged him Wednesday in Benton County court.

Cops arrested 72-year-old Pickerel Friday for the crimes.

There were no students or staff in the courtroom to support Pickerel but the retired teacher had two attorneys by his side.

One was there to defend the sex crimes and the other, a civil attorney, to try and protect his integrity.

In handcuffs, longtime teacher William Pickerel didn't say much.

He only helped pronounce the name of the muscle disease that has him on medication.

"He's 72 and not very mobile," Pickerel's attorney Kevin Holt said.

Holt argued long-term time in the Benton County Jail would be difficult.

"Everyone who has come up to me only has positive things to say about Mr. Pickerel and all the influence he's had on the Tri Cities," Holt said.

Defense attorneys also argued, Pickerel was not a threat to the community.

They went to work cutting his bail in half, down to $100,000.

But the prosecution maintains he is a threat and shouldn't be out on the streets.

"The allegations are included because Mr. Pickerel took kids on trips," prosecuting attorney Adrienne Farabee said.

Kennewick Police suspect Pickerel had sex with one local victim during a trip to Seattle.

In a joint investigation with local police, Seattle cops confirm they are also investigating Pickerel for multiple sex crimes.

"The day Pickerel was arrested, he had a trip planned with several young boys who could have been possible victims," Farabee said.

Prosecutors also warned, the 72-year old retired teacher might even be a threat to himself and wanted him locked up.

"Mr. Pickerel said in a document to a detective that he 'wanted to take the easy way out," Farabee said.

Pickerel now faces three-counts of sex crimes in our area.

Should Pickerel post the $100,000 bail he can't have any contact with anyone under the age of 18, he can't break any laws and he clearly can't leave town.

The judge set a court date for next month.

Seattle police said he could also face charges on the west side.

They are working on contacting as many alleged victims as they can.