Kent City Councilman Ken Sharp had his latest court date for first-degree theft charges continued to Feb. 19.
Sharp had a King County Superior Court hearing Monday continued for further investigation, said defense attorney Mark Prothero in an email. At a hearing, a trial date can be set or attorneys can ask for more time to prepare the case and receive a new hearing date from the judge.
“That’s all I’m able to say for now,” Prothero said.
Sharp began his four-year term on the council this month. He took an oath of office Jan. 7.
The 66-year-old Sharp faces seven counts of first-degree theft for reportedly stealing $297,500 from his 93-year-old mother’s bank account and putting the money into his account. If convicted as charged, Sharp faces a prison sentence of 22 to 29 months. He also would have to give up his council seat. Sharp pleaded not guilty to the charges Aug. 29.
King County prosecutors filed charges Aug. 15 against Sharp. Federal Way Police arrested him for investigation of theft on June 21. His mother lived in Federal Way at the time of the alleged theft.
Sharp, who owns Minuteman Press in Kent, defeated Bailey Stober in the November council race by 272 votes. Sharp replaced Elizabeth Albertson on the council after she decided not to seek re-election.
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