Ex-Skagit County sheriff’s deputy pleads not guilty to fraud

SEATTLE – A former Skagit County sheriff’s deputy has pleaded not guilty to charges that he stole money from a fund for police dog training.

Brian Lehr worked as a canine officer and became the volunteer treasurer of the Pacific Northwest Police Detection Dog Association in 1998. Prosecutors say he collected payments made to the association for various purposes, including its annual training conference, and used more than $35,000 of that money for personal expenses.

He was fired in 2016 after the allegations came to light.

He entered his plea on Thursday. His trial is set for October.