City Attorney Faces Assault, Driving Charges If Convicted, Rowland Could Be Imprisoned

A senior Spokane city attorney accused of punching a police officer in the jaw could face prison time if convicted.

Prosecutors have filed one felony and three misdemeanor charges against Milton G. Rowland, 43.

The felony, third-degree assault on a law enforcement officer, carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. But Rowland is likely to face less because he has no prior criminal record.

Rowland also is charged with driving under the influence, leaving the scene of an accident and reckless driving.

The misdemeanors carry maximum sentences ranging from a year to 90 days in jail and fines upwards of $5,000.

Rowland did not return a message left at his office Monday seeking comment.

He was arrested May 30 after a resident called police to report an out-of-control driver in the Highland Park subdivision off Hatch Road.

Witnesses said a man later identified as Rowland was driving his 1990 Oldsmobile up on curbs and backing up at high speeds. At one point, the car lost a tire but kept going, witnesses said.

Authorities investigating the report found Rowland asleep in a nearby house. They say he punched officer Brad Hallock as the policeman tried to load Rowland into the back of a squad car.

Rowland, who earns about $55,000 per year as one of the city’s chief litigators, was placed on administrative leave for two weeks following his arrest and began substance abuse treatment.

He returned to work in late June.

City Manager Bill Pupo was on vacation Monday and unavailable for comment. Pupo has said he will wait until criminal prosecution of Rowland is completed before deciding the attorney’s future with the city.

Rowland, who has worked for the city since January 1993, also is an adjunct law instructor at Gonzaga University.

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