Sheriff candidate wins legal fight to avoid permanent protection order sought by ex-wife

A conspiracy theorist and candidate for Spokane County Sheriff has won his latest round in court to avoid a permanent protection order in a legal case brought by his ex-wife.

Michael “Scott” Maclay, 60, who in May legally changed his name to DumpOzzie Dot Com, prevailed in the legal dispute when Superior Court Judge Michael Price denied a request by Laura Renz to overturn an earlier denial of her efforts to obtain the permanent protection order against him.

District Court Commissioner Tami Chavez dismissed Renz’s protection order request on June 30 after finding fault with both her and Maclay for mutual ongoing social media bashing that has lasted for years.

Renz appealed that denial to Spokane County Superior Court and Judge Price, who on July 27 filed an order denying Renz’s effort to obtain the protection order. As part of his decision, Price also ordered Renz to pay Maclay $500 in attorney fees “as a result of revision in this matter which was improperly scheduled by Ms. Renz’s counsel in violation of local rule and statute.”

Renz’s attorney, Michael Beyer, did not respond to multiple emailed requests this week for interviews. Maclay did not immediately return a phone message Thursday seeking comment.

In updated election results from Tuesday’s primary election, Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich was winning with 86 percent of the vote compared to Maclay’s 12 percent. Another 2 percent of the votes were awarded to write-in candidates. Both will advance to the November general election.