Trial date for Pierce County Sheriff Ed Troyer in newspaper carrier case set for November
Pierce County Sheriff Ed Troyer has a pre-trial hearing scheduled in district court on Friday for a pre-trial hearing, ahead of a late-November trial date.
In October 2021, Troyer was charged with criminal misdemeanor counts of false reporting and making a false or misleading statement to a public servant.
The charges stem from a January 2021 confrontation between Troyer and Black newspaper carrier Sedrick Altheimer.
>>Independent investigation determines Troyer violated policies
Altheimer was working his regular delivery route on Jan. 27 when Troyer began following him in his car around 2 a.m.
Altheimer continued working the route, noticing that a car was following him. After stopping at a house, Altheimer approached the car to find out why he was being followed.
Altheimer went up to the car and began talking to Troyer, whom he did not recognize as the sheriff. He asked Troyer if he was a cop, and Troyer did not identify himself as law enforcement, according to the AG’s office.
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Troyer continued to ask Altheimer questions and accused him of being a thief, documents say. Altheimer returned to his car and drove away and Troyer continued following.
Around 2:05 a.m., Troyer called 911 and reported that he caught someone in his driveway who “just threatened to kill me,” according to 911 records.
Over 40 law enforcement officers from multiple agencies responded. Altheimer denied making any threats to Troyer, blocking Troyer’s car or entering his driveway.
>>Sheriff Troyer must stay 1,000 feet away from newspaper carrier for 1 year, judge rules
When questioned that night, Troyer walked back his initial claim that Altheimer had threatened him, according to police reports.
Altheimer later filed a lawsuit for $5 million, claiming he was racially profiled by the Pierce County sheriff. He claimed his constitutional rights were violated and he suffered severe emotional distress.
Then in July, a judge revoked Troyer’s release on personal recognizance, ruling that he would have to pay $100,000 bail.
That order came after Altheimer filed an anti-harassment protection order against Troyer in May, asserting that Troyer had followed him in a vehicle while he was out delivering newspapers, in an attempt to intimidate him. That order was granted in early June.
The judge said that Troyer’s violation of court orders intended to protect Altheimer represents “an egregious and potentially dangerous violation.”
“The court has determined that a showing has been made that Mr. Troyer is a substantial danger to the community, especially to Mr. Altheimer,” the judge said.
Troyer has consistently denied allegations of racism.
His trial is scheduled for November 21.
If convicted of both offenses, Troyer could be sentenced to up to 364 days in jail and fined up to $5,000.
