Trooper accused of assaulting women pleads not guilty again

By Jessica Blanchard
Seattle Times staff reporter

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A Washington State Patrol trooper accused of sexually assaulting seven women during pat-down searches pleaded not guilty this morning in King County Superior Court to charges of groping three more women.

Michael J. Idland, 40, has pleaded not guilty to all 11 charges against him, including charges of first-degree custodial sexual misconduct and first-degree extortion, both felonies.

Idland is accused of fondling and sexually assaulting at least 10 women during traffic stops going back to 2002, usually near the Highway 520 bridge, an area he referred to as his "hunting ground," according to charging papers.

Prosecutors say Idland had a pattern of stopping young women on suspicion of drunken driving and then repeatedly fondling them under the guise of conducting "detailed searches." In one case earlier this year, Idland suggested to a woman he pulled over that she would get a lighter sentence if she had sex with him, court papers said.

Idland often promised victims he would quash charges against them if they "cooperated" with him, court papers say.

One of the new cases detailed today involved a 19-year-old woman who was a passenger in her boyfriend's car when it broke down on the Highway 520 bridge. According to charging papers, Idland gave rides home to the woman, her boyfriend and another friend. But after dropping off the woman's companions, Idland told her he would have to do a "detailed search" before he let her go. He then proceeded to fondle her under her clothing.

Idland has been on administrative leave since charges were first filed in May.

Yesterday, Idland fought back tears as he asked the judge to reduce his bail amount from $750,000 to $50,000, or let him serve home detention so he could spend time with his young son.

"I am not a danger to anyone," he said. "I love my son very much. ... I'm begging you to reduce the bail to an amount we can afford."

But prosecutors argued that Idland knew where the women live, could have access to weapons if he were released, and could try to harm himself or others.
 
"Mr. Idland presents a grave danger to the community generally," said senior deputy prosecuting attorney Scott O'Toole.

The judge agreed, and denied the motion.

Idland's next hearing is scheduled for Aug. 26.

Jessica Blanchard: 206-464-3896 or jblanchard@seattletimes.com