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Recalled Sheriff Jerry Hatcher was ‘bad boss, worse person,” said the county but denied responsibility for his behavior.

Investigation into Benton sheriff witness tampering reopened April 8, 2021 GMT RICHLAND, Wash. (AP) — The embattled Benton County sheriff in eastern Washington is under criminal investigation once again for allegedly forcing his estranged wife to recant her statements of abuse. The investigation by the Washington State Patrol comes 18 months after charges against Sheriff Jerry Hatcher were dropped because detectives needed more time. Sgt. Darren Wright in the state patrol’s main office in Olympia told the Tri-City Herald Wednesday that the patrol is “doing some follow-up investigation ...

Investigators also met with several other witnesses employed by the Benton County Sheriff’s Office. Hatcher, 57, is also facing a recall effort for alleged retaliatory acts involving employees, intimidation, abuse of discretion, and tampering with and destruction of evidence. Washington Fraternal Order of Police President Marco Monteblanco issued the following statement on Thursday morning: “The Washington State Fraternal Order of Police applauds the Washington State Patrol for renewing its criminal investigation into the actions of Benton County Sheriff Jerry Hatcher. The people of Bento...