Friday, May 7, 2021

Washington: Benton County Sheriff recall makes the ballot, scheduled for August 3

The recall against Benton County Sheriff Jerry Hatcher has been scheduled for August 3. Petitioners handed in over 16500 signatures, of which 14215 were found valid. They needed 13,937.

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.


No comments:

Post a Comment

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.