Derrick Watson, a former candidate for the Ferndale City Council, was charged with theft in the 2nd degree, a class C felony, in January 2018. According to Ferndale Police Lieutenant Matt Huffman, the charges stemmed from a fundraising effort for a youth football program in which Watson was involved.
According to Whatcom County Superior Court records, Watson pled guilty on June 12th to reduced charges of theft in the 3rd degree, which is a gross misdemeanor. He was sentence to 1 year confinement for each charge to be served consecutively with 1 year suspended for 1 charge and all but 30 days suspended for the second with credit for time served and eligible for electronic home detention.
Watson is also required to pay $500 into the Victim Fund Assessment and restitution of $11,000 to Great American Opportunities.
Watson ran for Ferndale City Council during the 2017 General Election, vying for incumbent Cathy Watson’s (no relation) seat on the Council. Derrick pulled out of the race in October which was too late to be removed from the ballot. Cathy retained her position on the council with 70% of the vote.