Judge OKs Gilbert’s request to serve as his own attorney

Published 4:14 pm Monday, February 8, 2010

Weldon Marc Gilbert’s request to serve as his own lawyer was granted Friday by Pierce County Superior Court Judge John McCarthy.

Gilbert, the Lake Tapps-area pilot, is fighting charges of child rape and other crimes in state court.

In 2009, Gilbert plead guilt to child-sex crimes in federal court and received a 25-year sentence. Prosecutors were surprised when he backed out of a bargain and requested to represent himself.

A June 21 trail date was tentatively set on state charges of multiple counts of child rape and sexual exploitation of a minor.

In January, Deputy Prosecutor Patrick Hammond filed a letter sent to Gilbert’s attorney in court. It states the state will seek a life sentence that could keep Gilbert in prison.

Hammond also wrote in his letter his office will fight Gilbert’s efforts to interview witnesses and victims in the case. A court order issued prohibits Gilbert from talking to the witnesses and victims.