Judge allows Wash. arsonist access to records

A Seattle judge has ruled that Allan Parmelee, who is serving a 24-year sentence for having two lawyers’ cars firebombed, is allowed to continue his records requests for information about King County employees.

Under the Public Records Act, Parmelee asked for lists of names, jobs, pay, e-mails, phone numbers and even photographs of employees. Prosecutor Dan Satterberg became concerned when Parmelee began requesting information  about county judges, prosecutors and prison guards, among others who aided in his conviction.

Satterberg petitioned the judge to force Parmelee to obtain court permission before filing requestsm, but  Judge Glenna Hall said she did not have the authority to prevent a citizen from obtaining public information.