Ok Boys Ranch Officials In Court

Three top officials of the now-closed OK Boys Ranch pleaded innocent Monday to felony charges that they failed to protect children at the Olympia group home from rape and other violence.

The three defendants appeared before Thurston County Superior Court Judge Thomas McPhee with their lawyers, who entered the pleas in a courtroom crowded with reporters and observers.

Outside the court, defense attorneys accused Attorney General Christine Gregoire of trying the case in the media and contended their clients were being made scapegoats.

McPhee did not set a trial date. Released on personal recognizance were Thomas Van Woerden, founder and director of the facility from 1971 to 1993; Collette Queener, an assistant director and director; and Laura Rambo Russell, longtime head counselor. All three face charges of criminal mistreatment, a second-degree felony.

Defense attorneys said they would file motions to bar Gregoire’s office from prosecuting the case on grounds of conflict of interest. Her office has represented the state in civil lawsuits brought by former residents of the home.