Washington candidates react following not guilty verdict in stalking case

(The Center Square) — After two days of testimony, a jury found Trevor DeLorme not guilty of one count of misdemeanor stalking Tuesday at the Franklin County Courthouse in Pasco, in a case involving Washington state Sen. Nikki Torres and Gabe Galbraith, her opponent in the 8th Legislative District Senate race.

DeLorme's attorney, Kevin Holt, could not be reached by The Center Square following the verdict, but did give a statement to local media.

“They were trying to make criminal a political activity that he was doing because he wanted to be involved in politics,” Holt told the Tri-City Herald. “It was really a waste of time… It was a complete overuse of our resources.”

The verdict prompted differing reactions from the two candidates, who spoke to The Center Square following the trial.

Galbraith said his family had endured damaging accusations and public speculation for months. Torres said the outcome was not what her family had hoped for and questioned what evidence jurors considered.

The case began at the end of April of this year, and involved allegations tied to a property owned by Torres and occupied by her daughter.

DeLorme faced a misdemeanor stalking charge after reportedly sitting in a vehicle outside the home for hours, videotaping or taking photos from his phone in an attempt to verify her residency.