Washington: Benton County Sheriff Kicked out in recall vote

Benton County Sheriff Jerry Hatcher seems to have been kicked out of office -- over 75% of voters have cast ballots for removal, with over 28,000 votes counted already (21,436-7,140). 

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.

Hatcher is now claiming he lives in a cabin in Montana and is suing his wife to cover the expenses of the recall defense.  

The recall was approved by the Washington State Supreme Court. Previously a judge had green lit a recall effort, ruling that petitioners have met Washington's malfeasance standard on eight charges.

The recall is estimated to cost between $200,000-$250,000.