TACOMA, Wash. — A former Lakewood police officer was charged Wednesday afternoon with second-degree identity theft and forgery, according to the Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
Skeeter Manos, 35, was the Lakewood Police Department’s guild treasurer.
In March 2011, members of the Lakewood Police Independent Guild requested an audit to explain how guild money was being spent. As treasurer, Manos was responsible for maintaining financial records and bank accounts.
When the audit was posted on the LPIG website, the audit was signed by accountant Roy Ovist. Manos was accused of stealing Ovist’s identity and forging documents in his name.
In February 2012, Skeeter Manos, 35, was arrested and charged in federal court with embezzling from a fund set up to benefit the families of four Lakewood Police officers killed in 2009.
The next month, Manos pled guilty to one count of wire fraud and was sentenced to 33 months in prison, according to the Attorney's Office.
“These charges are about ensuring full accountability for the defendant,” said Pierce County Prosecutor Mark Lindquist. “He previously pled guilty to the federal crime of wire fraud, and now he is being charged with separate state crimes of identity theft and forgery. I appreciate the work of the Tacoma Police Department and the cooperation of the Lakewood Police Department. Lakewood Chief Farrar and his officers actively encouraged an additional investigation involving a new victim.”
Manos is currently at the Pierce County Jail, and his bail was set at $100,000.
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