Ex-OSP spokesman Fugate pleads guilty to harassment

(Adding comments by Fugate and judge, adding video)

Oregon State Police Capt. William Fugate, the agency’s former spokesman, pleaded guilty Tuesday in Deschutes County Circuit Court to one count of harassment filed against him in a domestic violence case involving his estranged wife and was sentenced to two days in jail and two years probation.

The conviction arose from an incident that occurred on June 15, 2017, District Attorney John Hummel said.

“During the incident, Fugate violently grabbed his estranged wife, causing bruising to her arm,” the DA said in a brief statement.

Fugate was sentenced by Circuit Judge Wells Ashby to 24 months probation, two days in jail and a requirement that he complete batterers intervention counseling. In exchange for his guilty plea, a second count of harassment was dismissed. Ashby also said Fugate only will be allowed contact with his estranged wife and children the limitations of a restraining order.

Hummel said he had “reviewed five other domestic violence allegations against Fugate related to incidents that occurred between 2007 and 2016, but charges did not result because the crimes are time barred by Oregon’s statute of limitations.”

Fugate had pleaded not guilty to the two Class B misdemeanor charges in October and a judge set a trial for May on the allegations that he he subjected his wife to “offensive physical contact” in May and June of 2017 as the Redmond couple were going through a divorce.

Fugate’s wife had obtained a restraining order, claiming he threatened her, was “very volatile” and possessed a gun. He was placed on paid administrative leave by the OSP last Feb. 28, the day after a complaint was received that prompted an investigation by the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office.

OSP Capt. Tim Fox, the agency’s current spokesman, said Fugate’s leave status was changed to unpaid around the time the charges were filed. Fox said Fugate will continue on unpaid administrative leave until an internal investigation is completed. He had no timeline on when that might be done.

Given a chance to speak in court — and directed by the judge to address the court, not turn to speak to his family — Fugate apologized for the harm he’d caused and said he decided on his own to see a counselor, which he’s been doing for the past eight months.

“I was a loving, caring father for 13 years — 18 years, for my son — and things changed,” Fugate said. “And I’m very sorry, and I love them very much, and … this kills me this is happening.”

Earlier, the victim and another family member spoke to the judge about their experiences and what they had gone through.

Ashby addressed the woman at the time of sentencing, saying, “I can’t even begin to pretend to know how you feel, what you’ve been through, what your children have been through.”

“What I will share with you is I am very sorry you are here under these circumstances. This job would be impossible to do if I didn’t see the strength that I see in people like you,” the judge added.

Ashby later told Fugate “you’re taking one step forward” by seeking counseling but said he hopes Fugate understands the harm he’s caused to himself and his family. He said it will be up to his children some day to decide if they want a relationship with him.

Hummel, supported by Fugate’s defense attorney, Stephen Houze, had filed a motion seeking to bar cameras from the courtroom, arguing that the victims might not feel comfortable providing details of what happened in such an emotional setting if they were being recorded.

Ashby allowed the recording, but directed the media not to record family members during the proceedings.