Clallam County Superior Court Commissioner Brian Parker is facing renewed scrutiny regarding his past conduct and behavior in the courtroom. Previous coverage has detailed a prior arrest for perjury and accusations of stalking.
New allegations have emerged regarding an incident outside the courthouse in Port Angeles. A local woman reported that while she was stopped near the sidewalk assisting her seven-year-old daughter with a seatbelt, Parker approached her vehicle aggressively. She stated that he began shouting that she was illegally parked and demanded she move. When she attempted to offer an explanation, she alleges Parker spat through the open window before walking away. The woman described the commissioner as intense and noted that the encounter was frightening, particularly for her daughter who witnessed the aggression. Community members have advised her to request security footage from nearby businesses.
Demeanor in Court
Residents who have appeared before Parker have also criticized his conduct during proceedings. One woman described a recent protective order hearing as demoralizing, characterizing Parker as rude and condescending toward women in the courtroom. She alleged that Parker was impatient when a friend of hers was attempting to answer questions and described his behavior on the bench as that of a monster. The woman expressed disappointment regarding his hiring and the oversight of warning signs.
Appointment Scrutiny
Public attention has shifted toward Judge Brent Basden, who appointed Parker to the position. Reports indicate that standard hiring protocols, specifically a one-year probationary period, were bypassed during the appointment process. Commenters have questioned why the verification steps were skipped. Some community members believe responsibility lies with Basden for appointing Parker despite his background. One resident suggested that Basden has a history of ignoring evidence and directing commissioners on how to rule prior to hearings.
The sentiment among community members is that the situation reflects a corrupt system where officials protect one another. One commenter stated that Clallam County deserves better than the current status quo.
Investigations into the alleged spitting incident are ongoing. Additionally, numerous individuals have come forward with further allegations since initial reports were published.