Washington: Judge okays Benton County Sheriff recall petition

A judge has green lit a recall effort against Benton County Sheriff Jerry Hatcher, ruling that petitioners have met Washington's malfeasance standard on eight charges.

The Deputy Sheriff's Guild membership was leading the way. An independent investigator found that Hatcher retaliated against a whistleblower and two witnesses and engaged in anti-union activity.

Hatcher also has run into personal issues with his wife filing a civil protection order claiming that he choked her during a fight over his extramarital affairs. The order meant he had to surrender his firearm. He also was previously charged with felony witness tampering and assault, though chargers were dismissed.