SPOKANE, Wash. — Bonnie Gow, the former victim’s ombudsman, is advocating for justice after feeling blindsided by a plea deal in the case involving 85-year-old Loretta Holley. Gow expressed frustration over not being informed of the full details before the sentencing hearing on Friday.
Gow explained her actions, saying, “I came home and I started researching RCW’s, and then I typed up a formal, long grievance, and I sent it out to 11 judicial entities.”
Gow’s grievance references RCW 9.94A.431, which states, that the prosecutor shall inform the court on the record whether the victim has expressed any objections to or comments on the nature of and reasons for the plea agreement.
“We didn’t have a chance to object or comment because it wasn’t presented to us properly ahead of time,” Gow said.
Attempts were made to contact the prosecutor and defense attorneys involved in the case. One defense attorney responded, emphasizing their duty to their client and stating, “As a criminal defense attorney my obligations are to zealously defend and advocate for my client, which I did.”
Gow is particularly concerned about the business connections of those involved. “I just want justice for Pat, I don’t want this to ever happen to anybody again,” she said.
The business, Lifestage, was reportedly closed, but Gow highlighted that Spokane Lifeline, a business providing products to the elderly, continues to operate from the same building. “They didn’t explain that they still have Spokane Lifeline, which provides products to the elderly,” Gow said.
The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) offers advice on their website for those seeking to protect loved ones in licensed residential settings. It is important to note that long-term residential care facilities in Washington must be licensed by the state.
In 2024, DSHS received more than 80,000 reports of abuse to Adult Protective Services.
