After a two-day trial, a Cowlitz County jury returned guilty verdicts for the crimes of Forgery and Attempting to Elude a Pursuing Police Vehicle, both class C felonies.
Based upon the evidence presented, the jury found that on September 21, 2022, Applegate, of Vancouver, who is 36 years of age, attempted to pass off as true a fake $100 bill at Holt’s Quick Check on Oregon Way, with the intent to defraud and knowing the bill to be forged. Additionally, the jury found based upon the evidence the next day on September 22nd, Applegate willfully failed to stop and drove in a reckless manner while attempting to elude a pursuing law enforcement officer. The jury did not return a guilty verdict for an additional charge of Possession of Stolen Vehicle. The State was represented by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Devon Waldman. The case was investigated by the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from Longview Police Department and Clark County Sheriff’s Office.
The sentencing hearing is set for December 31, 2025. Applegate is looking at a standard sentencing range of 22-29 months.