Wash. Supreme Court published opinion — 989681.pdf

Citation: Wash. Supreme Court published opinion — 989681.pdf
Jurisdiction: Washington (state)
Source: Official source
Original Source: https://www.courts.wa.gov/opinions/pdf/989681.pdf ↗

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1. Illegally appropriated for his own use 14 cases of ammunition
belonging to Benton County.
2. Illegally tampered with physical evidence by directing the
distribution of ammunition that was potential evidence of his own
alleged unlawful acts.
3. Interfered in an investigation into his conduct by acting to prevent
witnesses from being interviewed.

4. Violated county anti-discrimination policy by hindering an
investigation into his conduct and retaliating against the complainant
and witnesses to the investigation.
5. Illegally intimidated public servants and witnesses in investigations
into his conduct by raising false allegations of impropriety and
threatening witnesses’ jobs.

6. Illegally made false or misleading statements to law enforcement
and the court regarding the number of firearms he needed to
surrender pursuant to a court order.
7. Illegally made false or misleading statements to public servants
claiming that he had initiated a criminal investigation into his own
conduct when he had not.
8. Falsified a public record by placing a false date on an investigation
request.

Id. at 587. Each category is addressed separately in the analysis.

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For the current opinion, go to https://www.lexisnexis.com/clients/wareports/.
In re Recall Charges Against Benton County Sheriff Gerald D. Hatcher,
No. 98968-1

The trial court found all charges to be legally and factually sufficient and

approved the ballot synopsis. Sheriff Hatcher appealed. At this court, Sergeant

Erickson filed a motion to strike part of Sheriff Hatcher’s reply brief. This motion has

been passed to the merits.

Due to the numerous allegations made against Sheriff Hatcher, and to reduce

excessive repetition of overlapping facts, more facts will be developed within the