Washington: State Supreme Court to give a "rapid review" for Benton County Sheriff recall petition

The Washington State Supreme Court has agreed to a "rapid review" of the recall effort against  Benton County Sheriff Jerry Hatcher, with the nine judges set to review the recall effort by November 5. Previously a judge had green lit a recall effort, 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.