Investigation of former Shoreline detective leads to arrest

On February 10, 2014 former King County Sheriff’s Deputy Mitch Wright was arrested for conspiracy and narcotics distribution. The arrest was the result of a three month investigation by the DEA, Shoreline Police, Seattle Police and the King County Sheriff’s Office. Wright was arrested around 5:00pm in the 14300 block of Aurora Ave North.

Wright was indicted by a grand jury on February 5th on drug charges. He was booked into the Federal Detention Center and his first appearance was today at 2:00pm in Federal Court in Seattle.

Wright was a deputy with the King County Sheriff’s Office for 10 years. A majority of that time he was assigned to the City of Shoreline. In 2010, he was assigned as a detective to the tactical diversion squad, a joint narcotics task force comprised of numerous local and federal agencies.

In May of 2013, a Bothell police officer contacted and ultimately arrested a woman for illicit drug use from a vehicle that was registered to Wright. Although Wright was not present during this contact, it raised safety concerns and Bothell Police contacted Shoreline Police Chief Shawn Ledford. Ledford initiated an internal investigation with the King County Sheriff’s Office and Deputy Wright was placed on administrative leave.

By late June/early July 2013 the internal investigation revealed evidence of criminal activity and Sheriff John Urquhart appointed detectives to initiate a parallel criminal investigation. Wright resigned from the Sheriff’s Office just prior to his termination. The criminal investigation led to a search warrant of his residence in Bothell. Wright was arrested and booked into the King County Jail for Violation of the Uniform Substance Act, Theft 1, and Tampering with Evidence. In August, he posted bail and was released. State charges have not been filed on that case.

By October, Wright had become very active within the criminal culture in north King and south Snohomish counties. He was routinely contacted by Shoreline patrol officers in high narcotic and prostitution areas and those contacts were reported by Shoreline officers to their supervisor. Sheriff Urquhart contacted the Seattle office of the Drug Enforcement Agency and requested assistance. By November, a task force comprised of undercover detectives from numerous agencies was formed to determine the extent of Wright’s criminal activity.

Investigators believe Wright used his knowledge and experience within law enforcement to not only avoid detection but to expose detectives and their techniques. The task force worked diligently to complete several undercover operations and narcotics buys involving Wright to include the sale/purchase of illegal narcotics. 

“I am very disappointed that a police officer with a promising career ended up on the other side of the law,” said Sheriff Urquhart. “But at the same time I am very gratified all the other officers who became involved did the right thing, not only reporting the misconduct but thoroughly investigating it as well.”