Former mayor candidate Ford pleads not guilty to violating no-contact order

Former Washougal mayoral candidate Derik Ford pleaded not guilty Thursday to additional allegations that he violated the no-contact order in his pending domestic violence case.

A second no-contact order violation allegation against Ford was filed this month after the alleged victim reported receiving more e-mail from Ford about their relationship.

Ford, 45, was arrested Sept. 15 and accused of hitting a family member after an argument. He has pleaded not guilty to fourth-degree assault and is not in custody.

Clark County District Court Commissioner Erin Priest authorized a no-contact order between Ford and the family member.

Ford, a restaurateur and businessman, has since suspended his Washougal mayoral campaign. His name still appears on the ballot, however.

Last month, the family member came to the Washougal police station to report that Ford had violated the no-contact order. The family member showed police an email from Ford apologizing for his actions, according to a probable cause affidavit.

His next court appearance is scheduled for Nov. 2.