A Washington state sheriff’s deputy and SWAT team member accused of helping his estranged wife work as a prostitute pleaded not guilty Tuesday.
Darrion Holiwell, 49, a 19-year veteran of the King County Sheriff’s Office, entered the plea during his arraignment on charges of promoting prostitution and other charges at King County Superior Court in Seattle.
Holiwell was arrested Thursday on charges he encouraged his wife to become a prostitute — and kept 80 percent of her earnings — used and dealt steroids, and stole thousands of pounds of brass from a police firing range for resale at area gun shops, according to court documents.
Holiwell’s wife was not charged. According to the criminal complaint, Holiwell suggested she enter the sex trade after the two separated as a way to help pay bills, and he would supply her with drugs like MDMA, also known as Molly, to make the appointments go smoother.
The allegations came to light in April, after Holiwell’s wife called the deputy’s ex-wife and alleged physical abuse. The ex-wife then told a friend who worked at the sheriff’s office, and that person notified authorities, according to court documents.