Complaint accuses Benton sheriff of misusing staff and resources in his recall fight Read more here
Kennewick, WA - A complaint has been filed accusing Benton County Sheriff Jerry Hatcher of improperly using county resources in his fight against being recalled from office.
County Prosecutor Andy Miller received the complaint about potential violations from the lawyer representing sheriffs Sgt. Jason Erickson. The sergeant, backed by 90% of the countys deputies and union officers, filed a petition last summer to have their boss ousted on claims of misuse of public funds and property and intimidating witnesses.
They are currently trying to collect 14,000 signatures to get the issue on the ballot.
The latest allegations claim Hatcher used his staff and county email to schedule a news conference to criticize a decision by the Washington state Supreme Court to allow the recall effort to move forward.
Read more: https://www.tri-cityherald.com/news/local/crime/article247434120.html