Washington State

Office of the Attorney General

Attorney General

Bob Ferguson

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

SEATTLE — A Seattle business owner pleaded guilty today to harassment charges brought by the Attorney General’s Office after the man threatened a court employee.

Serjik Kocharian, 53, threatened a city magistrate judge at an infraction hearing where he disputed a ticket he received for operating his business without a license.

Kocharian wanted the infraction dismissed, but the magistrate explained that was not an option at a mitigation hearing. After being told he would have to return to the court at a later date for a contested hearing, Kocharian became agitated and left the magistrate’s office saying, “I’ll see you in January, with a gun loaded.”

Kocharian was sentenced to 364 days in jail suspended on the condition he pay a $500 fine, $808 in court costs, and have no contact with the victim.

The Attorney General’s Office prosecuted the case at the request of the King County Prosecuting Attorney. Assistant Attorney General Josh Choate handled the matter. 

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The Office of the Attorney General is the chief legal office for the state of Washington with attorneys and staff in 27 divisions across the state providing legal services to roughly 200 state agencies, boards and commissions. Attorney General Bob Ferguson is working hard to protect consumers and seniors against fraud, keep our communities safe, protect our environment and stand up for our veterans. Visit www.atg.wa.gov to learn more.

Contact:

Peter Lavallee, Communications Director, (360) 586-0725; PeterL@atg.wa.gov

 

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