FILE THIS OPINION WAS FILED
FOR RECORD AT 8 A.M. ON
IN CLERK’S OFFICE JANUARY 14, 2021 SUPREME COURT, STATE OF WASHINGTON
JANUARY 14, 2021
SUSAN L. CARLSON
SUPREME COURT CLERK
IN THE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON
In re the Matter of the Recall Charges )
Against Benton County Sheriff, ) No. 98968-1
)
GERALD D. HATCHER,
) En Banc
Appellant. )
) Filed: January 14, 2021
)
WHITENER, J.—On November 6, 2020, we entered a unanimous order
affirming the superior court’s decision to allow the recall effort against Benton
County Sheriff Gerald Hatcher to proceed. We now take the opportunity to explain
our decision in detail.
Sergeant Jason Erickson filed the petition to recall Sheriff Hatcher after 90
percent of the Benton County Deputy Sheriff’s Guild (Guild) met and unanimously
voted to pursue recall. The recall petition alleges 26 separate charges that,
assuming, as we must, the truth of the allegations, illustrate a toxic and
authoritarian culture that Sheriff Hatcher has created since his appointment in In re Recall Charges Against Benton County Sheriff Gerald D. Hatcher,
No. 98968-1
2017. The Benton County Prosecutor’s Office (BCPO) has categorized the 26
allegations into 8 charges for the purposes of the ballot synopsis. The superior
court found all charges to be legally and factually sufficient. Sheriff Hatcher
appeals this determination as to all charges.
We affirm the superior court and find all of the charges to be legally and
factually sufficient. We look at each allegation in the context of the approximately
nine-month period at issue, Sheriff Hatcher’s experience in law enforcement, and
the culture of control he has created within his department as alleged by the recall
petitioner. Assuming, as we must, that the allegations are true, they identify
recallable offenses.
FACTS AND PROCEDURAL HISTORY
Sheriff Hatcher has been in law enforcement for approximately 27 years. He
began as a deputy in the Benton County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) and rose to the rank
of undersheriff. He has been the sheriff since May 16, 2017 when he was appointed
by the Benton County commissioners. He then ran for election unopposed in 2018.
During his short reign as sheriff, Sheriff Hatcher has created a culture of
control that has led to a hostile work environment for many, if not all, of his
employees. The recall allegations mainly concern two specific administrative
complaints against Sheriff Hatcher; however, the declarations provided show the
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breadth of the concerning behavior. The sheriff’s behavior from October 2019
through June 2020 has given rise to 26 separate allegations of misfeasance,
malfeasance, and/or violations of his oath of office. See Clerk’s Papers (CP) at 49-62.
In October 2019, the Guild held a vote of no confidence and a large volume of
the members voted that they had no confidence in Sheriff Hatcher. The Guild
generated a letter that urged Sheriff Hatcher to resign because of domestic violence
and witness tampering charges filed against him. These charges were later dismissed
without prejudice.
On January 30, 2020, BCSO Lieutenant Erik Magnuson filed a report of
harassment against Sheriff Hatcher, alleging that the sheriff constantly threatens his
livelihood, interferes with his ability to express support through personal social
media to guild members and corrections department employees, makes offensive
comments about his religious beliefs, and has made threats of violence to him.
On or about January 31, 2020, the Guild wrote another letter expressing no
confidence in Sheriff Hatcher. The media published the letter on February 2, 2020.
The published letter informed Sheriff Hatcher “that after an overwhelming vote of
our members, we can no longer support you, Jerry Hatcher, as our Sheriff.” Id. at
286-87. The Guild indicated that it had brought concerns to Sheriff Hatcher and that
he chose not to make changes. The Guild also expressed members’ fear of retaliation
and intimidation for speaking out. The Guild detailed how the BCSO was once “well
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respected in the region and across the state.” Id. at 287. But the letter turns to the
culture under Sheriff Hatcher. It reads,
You have been our Sheriff for less than two years. During this short
amount of time, you have destroyed the positive culture within our
organization and developed a culture that can only be described as
hostile and negative. We can best define you as a Tyrant. You exercise
your power similar to that of an oppressive dictator. Deputies and
supervisors are frustrated, and deeply saddened by your lack of both
leadership and professionalism. The atmosphere in the office can only
be described as depressing, stressful, and plagued with heavy negativity.
The unprofessional and dehumanizing method in which you treat
personnel at our Sheriff’s Office has continued and become increasingly
worse to the point that several tenured members of our Guild and other
staff have recently retired or sought other employment earlier than they
wanted. We no longer have police officers wanting to lateral to our
agency like in the past. Several deputies are currently looking into the
possibility of leaving Benton County. Our agency has some of the best
and highly experienced law enforcement officers in the area, and we are
in real jeopardy of losing them.
Id. at 287-88. The letter goes on to detail Sheriff Hatcher’s selfishness where he has
placed personal benefit above the job and describes the allegations that have been
leveraged against him.
On July 20, 2020, Sergeant Erickson served a “Request for Adjudication to
Petition for Recall” on the Benton County auditor. He filed an amended request two
days later, to fix typographical and date errors. The petition consists of 26 distinct
allegations. The amended petition was served on Sheriff Hatcher on July 27, 2020. It
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was transmitted to the Benton County prosecuting attorney the same day. The BCPO
prepared a memorandum of law and ballot synopsis and submitted the recall petition
and petition for approval of the ballot synopsis on July 31, 2020.
The ballot synopsis breaks down the 26 allegations into 8 distinct charges,
alleging that Sheriff Hatcher:
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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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
analysis section of this opinion.
ANALYSIS
In Washington, an elected official may be subject to a recall if he or she “has
committed some act or acts of malfeasance or misfeasance while in office, or . . . has
violated his oath of office.” WASH. CONST. art. I, § 33; see also RCW 29A.56.110.
For the purposes of a recall,
(1) “Misfeasance” or “malfeasance” in office means any
wrongful conduct that affects, interrupts, or interferes with the
performance of official duty;
(a) Additionally, “misfeasance” in office means the performance
of a duty in an improper manner; and
(b) Additionally, “malfeasance” in office means the commission
of an unlawful act;
(2) “Violation of the oath of office” means the neglect or
knowing failure by an elective public officer to perform faithfully a duty
imposed by law.
RCW 29A.56.110.
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The legislature has chosen to limit the recall process “so that public officials
will be protected from petitions based on frivolous or unsubstantiated charges.” In re
Recall of Kast, 144 Wn.2d 807, 813, 31 P.3d 677 (2001).
This court reviews the sufficiency of a recall petition de novo. In re Recall of
Wasson, 149 Wn.2d 787, 791, 72 P.3d 170 (2003). We read the recall petition
broadly, as a whole, and in favor of the voter. In re Recall of West, 155 Wn.2d 659,
666, 121 P.3d 1190 (2005). Although the court must not assess the truthfulness of the
allegations contained within a recall petition, its function is to evaluate whether the
allegations are both factually and legally sufficient. Kast, 144 Wn.2d at 813; RCW
29A.56.140.
“Factually sufficient means the petitioner has alleged facts that establish a
prima facie case of misfeasance, malfeasance, or violation of the oath of office.” In re
Recall of Ackerson, 143 Wn.2d 366, 371, 20 P.3d 930 (2001). “The charges as a
whole must identify to the electors and to the official being recalled acts or omissions
that without justification support recall.” Id. The facts alleged must be concise but
detailed and must include specific information regarding the date, location, and
nature of the allegation. Wasson, 149 Wn.2d at 791; RCW 29A.56.110. Although the
recall petitioner need not have firsthand knowledge of an allegation, the recall
petitioner must have some knowledge of the allegations that is more than a belief the
charges are true. Ackerson, 143 Wn.2d at 372. “[W]e may consider supporting
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documentation to determine whether the charges are factually sufficient.” West, 155
Wn.2d at 663.
“When an official is accused of a crime, the recall petitioner must have
knowledge of facts indicating intent to violate the law.” Ackerson, 143 Wn.2d at 373.
Intent to violate a law may be inferred from the circumstances, but may not be “‘too
conjectural.’” In re Recall of Heiberg, 171 Wn.2d 771, 778, 257 P.3d 565 (2011)
(quoting Ackerson, 143 Wn.2d at 373).
In addition to factual sufficiency, the petitioner must show legal sufficiency.
“Legal sufficiency means the charge must define substantial conduct clearly
amounting to misfeasance, malfeasance or a violation of the oath of office.” Wasson,
149 Wn.2d at 791. If an official has a legally cognizable justification for the conduct,
the recall petition is insufficient. In re Recall of Wade, 115 Wn.2d 544, 549, 799 P.2d
1179 (1990). Further, an official may not be recalled for discretionary acts, “unless
that discretion was exercised in a manifestly unreasonable manner.” Id.
Each category of charge will be addressed for factual and legal sufficiency in
the order they appear on the ballot synopsis.
1. Illegally appropriated for his own use 14 cases of ammunition belonging to
Benton County (petition charge 4)
Sergeant Erickson alleges that Sheriff Hatcher violated RCW 40.16.020 by
holding 14 cases (over 13,000 rounds) of ammunition at his private residence. Under
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RCW 40.16.020 it is a gross misdemeanor to “fraudulently appropriate to the
officer’s own use or to the use of another person, or secrete with intent to appropriate
to such use, any money, evidence of debt or other property intrusted to the officer by
virtue of the officer’s office.”
The relevant facts for this allegation are as follows. On January 13, 2020,
officers went to Monica Hatcher’s house to obtain Sheriff Hatcher’s firearms
pursuant to the order to surrender that accompanied the domestic violence protection
order (DVPO) protecting Ms. Hatcher from Sheriff Hatcher. In addition to 10
firearms, the Kennewick Police Department (KPD) found approximately 14 cases of
ammunition (about 13,700 rounds) belonging to BCSO. At this time, pursuant to the
order to surrender weapons, Sheriff Hatcher was not to be in possession of firearms
or other dangerous weapons. Sheriff Hatcher claims the ammunition was “practice”
ammunition. CP at 84.
According to Detective Todd Carlson, who distributes practice ammunition, he
distributes the practice ammunition in quantities of 150-200 rounds for the purpose of
practicing, but not stockpiling. He issues “Duty” ammunition for the SWAT (special
weapons and tactics) teams in 50 round increments. Id. at 98. When he saw the
ammunition inventories from Sheriff Hatcher’s home he was “taken aback” as he
understood it to be 14 boxes and not 14 cases. Id. at 99.
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In Detective Carlson’s declaration, he includes a table that details the
ammunition Sheriff Hatcher possessed:
# Ammunition Case(s)
1. 308 Caliber 2 cases (SWAT Duty ammunition)
1 case of .308 Tap ammo
10 boxes / 20 rounds per box= 200 rounds
1 case of .308 Win American Eagle
25 boxes / 20 rounds per box= 500 rounds
2. .223 Caliber 6 cases which compromise [sic] of 5 full cases
and 1 case with 21 boxes out of 25.
A complete case +equals 25 boxes total
3. .40 caliber 4 Cases
1000 rounds per case
4. 9mm 1 Case
1000 rounds per case
5. 22 caliber LR 1 Case (50 boxes / 100 rounds per box)
Id. at 100-01.
According to records, Sheriff Hatcher was assigned a “.40 caliber pistol and a
.223 caliber rifle (NFA) and a 12-gauge shotgun.” Id. at 99. This means that Sheriff
Hatcher was in possession of BCSO ammunition that was not compatible with his
department-issued firearms (though some were compatible with his personal
firearms). This included specific ammunition that was only for SWAT team members
when Sheriff Hatcher has never been a member of the SWAT team. Further, the
location of the ammunition was not readily accessible by members of the BCSO, and
Sheriff Hatcher made no effort to notify anyone of the location of the ammunition,
even when he could no longer legally possess firearms.
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Multiple officers indicate in their declarations that the amount of ammunition
greatly exceeded what an officer would use for practice, and there is no reason for an
officer to have ammunition for a caliber of weapon not assigned by the BCSO.
In his declaration, former BCSO Commander Tom Croskrey stated that he was
“shocked” by the volume of ammunition, that the .308 caliber ammunition is not
“practice” ammunition (as it is intended for the SWAT team, and they do not use
“practice” ammunition), and that having cases (instead of boxes) of ammunition was
“troubling.” Id. at 92.
In his declaration, Commander Jon Law states that the amount of ammunition
that Sheriff Hatcher had at his home was “astronomical” and “would never be
distributed in this amount to anyone unless there was a specific reason stated in
advance.” Id. at 68. Further, he states,
Possessing ammunition for “practice” for calibers of weapons not
currently assigned to a member of the office in this quantity is not
reasonable. Possessing ammunition in “case” quantities for “practice”
ammunition defies reason. The purpose of “Practice” ammunition
generally is to use the ammunition for weapons you are assigned in
order to be proficient in the use of the weapon. If you are not assigned a
.308 caliber weapon by Benton County, there is no reasonable need for
the county to pay for an employee to practice with this ammunition.
This conclusion also applies to the 9mm and the .22 caliber
ammunition.
Id. at 68-69. Commander Law indicates that he himself had an above average
quantity of practice ammunition at less than 500 rounds. Id. at 69.
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In his declaration, retired BCSO Detective Lee Cantu states that in his decades
of experience, he has rarely seen practice ammunition distributed by a case. Id. at 84.
He states that it was “highly questionable” for Sheriff Hatcher to have that much
ammunition in his possession, especially when it came from one specific invoice
order. Id. Further, he states,
In indicating “highly questionable” above it is my opinion that if a
person associated with the Benton County Sheriff’s Department,
regardless of rank, had in their possession and control, thousands of
practice ammunition that derived from a single invoice order, it would
be presumptive evidence of criminal activity in the absence of a very
specific justification.
Id.
If the recall petitioners convince the voters that these facts are true, then the
voters could certainly conclude that Sheriff Hatcher violated RCW 40.16.020 when
he stored over 13,000 rounds of ammunition in his home without reasonable
justification as it was an exorbitant amount of ammunition to possess as “practice
ammunition” and some of the ammunition did not match the calibers of his
department-issued weapons.
In contrast with other elected officials, the elected sheriff possesses law
enforcement duties that are inherently affected when he or she commits a crime. As
the elected sheriff, Sheriff Hatcher took an oath to “support the laws of the State of
Washington.” Id. at 49. Under RCW 36.28.010(1), the sheriff “[s]hall arrest and
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commit to prison all persons who break the peace, or attempt to break it, and all
persons guilty of public offenses.” Further, under RCW 36.28.011, “[i]n addition to
the duties contained in RCW 36.28.010, it shall be the duty of all sheriffs to make
complaint of all violations of the criminal law, which shall come to their knowledge,
within their respective jurisdictions.” Therefore, the sheriff who violates the law puts
himself in a position where he must choose between serving his constituents through
his law enforcement duties or acting within his own self-interest. Accordingly, a
sheriff’s actions in violation of RCW 40.16.020, 36.28.010, and 36.28.011, clearly
amount to both misfeasance and malfeasance under RCW 29A.56.110.
Sheriff Hatcher claims that because the operating procedures provide no limits
as to the amount of practice rounds one may possess, he is within his discretion to
store the ammunition at his house. However, the declarations of numerous officers
indicate that the amount of ammunition possessed was highly unreasonable. The
amount of ammunition in his possession, having ammunition that is incompatible
with department-issued firearms (but compatible with his personal firearms), and the
many officers’ declarations all show that Sheriff Hatcher exercised his discretion in a
manifestly unreasonable manner. His conduct affects and interferes with the
performance of his duties as sheriff.
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In addition, Sheriff Hatcher alleges, without authority, that the charge fails for
legal sufficiency because the proper avenue for criminal law is the criminal process.1
An elected official need not be charged and found guilty of a crime prior to a recall
on said allegations. As alleged by the recall petitioner, Sheriff Hatcher’s acts rise to
the level of a knowing and intentional violation of criminal law. Therefore, the recall
petitioner has established a prima facie case that Sheriff Hatcher committed
misfeasance or malfeasance without any legal justification.
2. Illegally tampered with physical evidence by directing the distribution of
ammunition that was potential evidence of his own alleged unlawful acts
(petition charges 5 and 6)
Sergeant Erickson alleges that Sheriff Hatcher violated RCW 9A.72.150 by
soliciting another officer to redistribute evidence and violated RCW 9A.80.010 by
committing an unauthorized act without color of law. Under RCW 9A.72.150,
(1) A person is guilty of tampering with physical evidence if, having
reason to believe that an official proceeding is pending or about to be
instituted and acting without legal right or authority, he or she:
(a) Destroys, mutilates, conceals, removes, or alters physical
evidence with intent to impair its appearance, character, or availability
in such pending or prospective official proceeding.
Further, under RCW 9A.80.010,
(1) A public servant is guilty of official misconduct if, with intent to
obtain a benefit or to deprive another person of a lawful right or
privilege:
1
Sheriff Hatcher makes similar criminal process arguments as to many of the charges, but we do not recount it each time.
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(a) He or she intentionally commits an unauthorized act under
color of law.
On January 13, 2020, KPD executed the order to surrender firearms at Ms.
Hatcher’s house. According to the recall petitioners, KPD then met with BCSO
Commander Steve Caughey to return the BCSO property. Based on Commander
Caughey’s interaction with KPD he documented the event because “the sheer
volume of ammunition could be evidence of a crime.” CP at 158. Shortly thereafter
Sheriff Hatcher asked Commander Caughey to redistribute the ammunition.
Commander Caughey did not redistribute the ammunition as he believed this
would “chang[e] the nature and character” of the evidence. Id. at 159. This alone
would constitute a violation of RCW 9A.72.150.
But the proponents of recall allege that Sheriff Hatcher was not finished
attempting to tamper with evidence. On February 14, 2020, immediately after
Sheriff Hatcher met with Sergeant Erickson and agreed to conduct a criminal and
administrative investigation into the ammunition, 2 he asked Commander Caughey
about the status of the redistribution of ammunition. Commander Caughey told
him that he had not done so. Sheriff Hatcher told Commander Caughey to follow
through with the original request, but Commander Caughey expressed his concern
given the possibility that it was evidence of a crime.
2
The circumstances surrounding this conversation are discussed in detail in Part 3.
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There is a reasonable inference that Sheriff Hatcher both knowingly and
intentionally violated the law. This court looked at the “intent to violate the law”
requirement in In re Recall of Pearsall-Stipek, 141 Wn.2d 756, 10 P.3d 1034
(2000). In that case, the recall petitioner alleged that Pearsall-Stipek had committed
multiple acts of false swearing. The court held that when Pearsall-Stipek misstated
the dates she attended college, it was insufficient to show that she intended to
violate the law. Pearsall-Stipek, 141 Wn.2d at 779. However, in another trial, on
the transcript page after she swore her oath, she falsely testified that she had
received a college degree. Id. The court held that the untruthfulness so soon after
her oath was sufficient to show she intended to violate the law. Id. Much like
Pearsall-Stipek, where the elected official had just been reminded of the law
against false swearing, Sheriff Hatcher had just come out of a meeting with
Sergeant Erickson and Commander Croskrey in which he agreed to investigate the
very ammunition he sought to have redistributed.
Sheriff Hatcher argues that the redistribution of ammunition was a
discretionary act because the ammunition was inventoried before he chose to
redistribute. However, Sheriff Hatcher abused his position as sheriff for his
personal benefit by asking a subordinate to redistribute potential evidence, which
would alter the character of the physical evidence, for an investigation he had just
agreed to begin. His conduct is manifestly unreasonable and is an abuse of
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discretion. Further, voters could find that Sheriff Hatcher violated his oath of office
when he chose his self-interest over his oath and committed misfeasance and
malfeasance in the performance of his duty as a sheriff when he violated the law
and attempted to alter the physical evidence by having the ammunition
redistributed.
3. Interfered in an investigation into his conduct by acting to prevent
witnesses from being interviewed (petition charges 11 and 12)
This ballot synopsis charge, and the next, require a bit of context into two
complaints that have been filed against Sheriff Hatcher and the subsequent
investigations of those complaints. At numerous times during the investigations,
Sheriff Hatcher committed malfeasance and/or misfeasance in the performance of
his official duties.
In the midst of the allegations surrounding the stockpiling of ammunition, at
the end of January 2020, Lieutenant Magnuson filed a complaint against Sheriff
Hatcher for violating the 2008 “Benton County Equal Employment Opportunity/
Anti-Discrimination and Harassment Policy and Complaint Procedure” (“AntiDiscrimination Policy” or “policy”). The circumstances surrounding the
investigation of these claims led to petition charges for other violations of the
policy, intimidating witnesses, intimidating public servants, and retaliating against
witnesses.
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On February 14, 2020, parallel events occurred within both investigations.
At approximately 6:56 a.m. Sergeant Erickson e-mailed a letter of resignation to
Sheriff Hatcher, informing Sheriff Hatcher of his intent to resign and his wish to
self-demote from lieutenant to sergeant. At around 7:40 a.m., he met with Sheriff
Hatcher and provided him with a paper copy of the resignation/demotion letter.
Sergeant Erickson told the sheriff it was because of the facts surrounding the
firearms and ammunition and “the totality of the facts and circumstances caused
[him] considerable stress, concern, and anxiety to the extent that [he] was no
longer able to serve in [his] capacity as a [lieutenant].” CP at 21. Sergeant Erickson
explains that he made this decision because of Sheriff Hatcher’s refusal (despite
repeated requests) to have an independent investigation of the domestic violence
allegations, his repeated statements that a “‘small nucleus’” of guild members
voted no confidence (when, in fact, it was a majority of members), and the later
discovery of the stockpile of ammunition. Id. at 105-07. The meeting was brief.
Around the noon hour, Sheriff Hatcher had BCSO Commander Croskrey
summon Sergeant Erickson to return to work to discuss the resignation letter.
During this meeting, Sergeant Erickson did not want to answer questions, but
Sheriff Hatcher told him he would be subject to discipline up to termination if he
did not. Sergeant Erickson then requested the presence of his attorney, Alan
Harvey. Sheriff Hatcher initially refused and then gave him a “short amount of
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time to produce [his] attorney.” Id. at 115. After Mr. Harvey arrived, Sheriff
Hatcher ordered Sergeant Erickson to undergo questioning. Sheriff Hatcher was
informed that Sergeant Erickson was a whistleblower in regards to the sheriff’s
actions, but he proceeded with questioning anyway. At the end of the interview,
Sheriff Hatcher indicated that he would be initiating a criminal investigation and
an administrative review with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) into
the ammunition. In his request for the FCSO to conduct the investigation, Sheriff
Hatcher told Sheriff Jim Raymond, “If the Review turns towards any wrongdoing,
I would request you contact me immediately and I will have you forward the
information to the appropriate agency or authority.” Id. at 324.
Regarding the investigation of the ammunition, Sheriff Hatcher told
Commander Croskrey that the commander was going to be the liaison with the
FCSO for the purposes of the investigation. However, according to Commander
Croskrey, during the FCSO investigation he saw Sheriff Hatcher “obstruct his own
investigation and secretly change the course of the investigation.” Id. at 94.
Commander Croskrey explained that after his first interaction with the two FCSO
captains investigating the matter, Sheriff Hatcher asked the commander about the
interaction and when told the conversation was several hours long, he appeared
annoyed with the length of the interaction and “expressed concern and his
dissatisfaction with me about the amount of time.” Id. at 92. In subsequent
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interactions, Sheriff Hatcher inserted himself into the investigative process, even
telling Commander Croskrey that the investigating officers would need to contact
him, Sheriff Hatcher, directly for access to some of the information.
Other officers also expressed concerns about interference and retaliation
involving Sheriff Hatcher during the ammunition investigation. Commander
Caughey, in his declaration, indicates that when interviewed by the captains in
relation to the ammunition investigation, he expressed that he “had never seen an
administrative investigation commence with no companion criminal investigation
when the allegations related to potential criminal conduct.” Id. at 162. He stated
that this was not a practice he was familiar with, that he thought it would
negatively impact any criminal investigation, and that he was concerned about
retaliation from the sheriff based on his answers in the interview.
At the close of the FCSO ammunition investigation, one captain informed
Commander Croskrey that “there appeared to be probable cause on a number of
criminal acts with respect to Sheriff Hatcher.” Id. at 94. Further in the captains’
investigatory report they indicate, “Many of the issues raised had legal
implications and would better support our final recommendation by Investigators
to have this entire report reviewed by an Attorney or Prosecutor for guidance with
appropriate feedback and/or referral.” Id. at 571. These “issues” include allegations
of intimidation of whistleblowers, criminal conduct, tampering with witnesses, and
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a lack of objectivity in the investigation as Sheriff Raymond has been publicly
supporting Sheriff Hatcher and is his political ally. Id. at 571-72.
Also on February 14, 2020, separate from Sergeant Erickson’s accusations
that day, the Benton County prosecutor appointed two special deputy prosecutors,
Jeffrey J. Druckman and Janine C. Blatt, to conduct an independent investigation
into Lieutenant Magnuson’s harassment complaint. Ms. Blatt conducted the
witness interviews and compiled the investigation report.
On March 19, 2020, she interviewed, in person, BCSO officers Lieutenant
Magnuson, the complainant, and Lieutenant Mathew Clarke. Ms. Blatt was unable
to interview Commander Law and Commander Caughey that day due to the
sheriff’s interference. That day, both Commander Law and Commander Caughey
sought Sheriff Hatcher’s permission to take the afternoon off to attend their
interview with Ms. Blatt. When Sheriff Hatcher learned that their attorney would
be attending, he told them they could be interviewed during work hours on duty if
they agreed not to have an attorney present. Sheriff Hatcher told Commander
Caughey that he would “‘find out what these interviews state and if you are not
going to defend me, I will take great exception to that, but this is not a threat.’” Id.
at 186. He also told them that they could participate in the interview if “he could
have a representative sit in on their interviews.” Id. at 272-73. Sheriff Hatcher also
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told Ms. Blatt, when contacted, that she could interview Commanders Law and
Caughey during work hours if they did not have an attorney present.
Retired BCSO Detective Cantu indicates in his declaration that to have a
“representative” for the sheriff sit in is “unprecedented at this stage of an
investigation.” Id. at 86. He analogizes this to “having the suspect in a domestic
violence matter in the room when the victim is interviewed and/or the suspect
alleged to have committed crimes against a child present when the child is
interviewed.” Id. at 86-87. He states, “Sheriff Hatcher’s request is not just outside
‘best practices’ it is not practiced at all in my experience at this stage of any
internal or criminal investigations.” Id. at 87.
Ms. Blatt was finally able to interview Commander Law and Commander
Caughey on April 13, 2020. Ms. Blatt interviewed Sheriff Hatcher by telephone on
April 7, 9, and 23.
According to Ms. Blatt’s final report, Lieutenant Magnuson reported that the
Sheriff “constantly threatens his livelihood, interferes with his ability to express
support through personal social media of the members of his Guild and the
Corrections Department employees, makes offensive comments about his religious
beliefs, and has made threats of violence to him.” Id. at 182. This included the
sheriff telling Lieutenant Magnuson, “‘If I could reach through this phone and
choke the life out of you, I would,’” and another incident of the sheriff threatening
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No. 98968-1
to strangle the lieutenant with his “hands out . . . in a choking motion.” Id. Sheriff
Hatcher has also repeatedly told Lieutenant Magnuson not to get comfortable
because he can restructure Magnuson out of the department and that he is sheriff
and “no one can do anything to [him].” Id. at 183.
Lieutenant Magnuson told the sheriff he should resign because of Sheriff
Hatcher’s own admission that he grabbed his wife by the neck during an argument.
Sheriff Hatcher accused Lieutenant Magnuson of judging him because of the
lieutenant’s religious beliefs. Lieutenant Magnuson explained that he was judging
the sheriff based on department policy and that “he had deputies coming to him
crying because the public was treating them negatively because of the charges
against the Sheriff.” Id. The sheriff then made comments about Christians being
“high and mighty” and judgmental. Id. Lieutenant Magnuson indicated he fears
“retaliation and worse due to the Sheriff’s anger.” Id. at 184. He told investigators
that the stress is interfering in his relationship with his family and that “he walks
around the office in tears at times and expressed that he deserves a safe place to
work.” Id. at 184-85.
Lieutenant Clarke, during his interview with Ms. Blatt, also indicated that
“the Sheriff talks down to officers, does not give officers a chance to explain, takes
credit for successes that are not his, makes sure you know that he is in charge, back
stabs, and throws members of the command staff under the bus.” Id. at 185. He
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No. 98968-1
also told Ms. Blatt that the sheriff makes comments that the officers need
counseling because they are “‘soft’” and “‘weak.’” Id. He also indicated that the
sheriff has threatened his job through restructuring.
Ms. Blatt’s investigation did not substantiate harassment or discrimination
on the basis of religion, but it did substantiate harassment and retaliation based on
union activity and affiliation. It concludes that Sheriff Hatcher has created “an
intimidating and hostile work environment . . . .” Id. at 196-97. This hostile work
environment was compounded by Sheriff Hatcher’s attempt to control the narrative
of the investigation through his wrongful conduct toward his employees. His
conduct was wrongful and affected and interfered with the performance of his
official duties.
As to ballot synopsis charge 3 specifically, Sergeant Erickson alleges that on
or about March 19, 2020,3 as discussed above, Sheriff Hatcher violated the AntiDiscrimination Policy when he prevented two witnesses (Commander Law and
Commander Caughey) from interviewing with the investigator.
Under the policy,
Benton County does not tolerate any retaliation against any person for
opposing unlawful discrimination or harassment, making a
discrimination or harassment complaint, or participating in an
investigation or complaint proceeding. Prohibited conduct includes
3
The recall petition reads March 9, 2020, however, the record appears to indicate this occurred on March 19, 2020. See CP at 72.
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No. 98968-1
any adverse treatment that is based on a retaliatory motive and that is
reasonably likely to deter an individual from engaging in protected
activity.
Id. at 294 (emphasis added).
Here, Sheriff Hatcher’s conduct is prima facie evidence of misfeasance and
malfeasance. Through his attempt to control the interviews in this administrative
investigation, he violated the Anti-Discrimination Policy by failing to perform
faithfully the duty imposed on him by law. In Kast, this court found malfeasance
for wrongful conduct when the violation of law, though it did not have a civil fine
or criminal penalty, “‘interfere[d] with the performance of official duty’ by failing
to promote the best interests of the fire district.” 144 Wn.2d at 815-16 (alteration in
original) (quoting former RCW 29.82.010(1) (1984)). Here, by interfering with the
investigatory interviews and by placing restrictions on the interview process that
were likely to affect participation in the interviews, the sheriff failed to promote
the best interests of his police department.
Sergeant Erickson analogizes the Anti-Discrimination Policy charges in this
case to In re Recall of Washam, 171 Wn.2d 503, 257 P.3d 513 (2011). In that case,
the court found five charges regarding an elected official’s violations of county
ordinances to be legally and factually sufficient. Those relevant to the present case
are retaliation against an employee for filing a complaint against the official;
failure to protect an employee from “retaliation, false accusations or future
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No. 98968-1
improper treatment”; and refusing to participate in the investigation. Washam, 171
Wn.2d at 516-20. Although the court did not specifically note the substantial
conduct standard as to the allegations because we found the charges legally
sufficient, it follows that noncompliance with investigatory procedures regarding a
discrimination complaint rises to the level necessary to be substantial. Therefore,
the repeated violations of an established antidiscrimination policy in this case are
considered substantial conduct, both individually and as a pattern of behavior.
Sheriff Hatcher claims his interference with the interviews was a
discretionary act. However, under the policy the elected official coordinates the
investigation, unless the complaint is against the elected official, then the
prosecuting attorney coordinates the investigation. Thus, the timing of the
interviews was not under the purview of the sheriff. Even assuming it was the
sheriff’s responsibility, it is an abuse of his discretion to require his own
representative to attend an investigatory meeting about him or to require his
officers to use their leave time to participate in a work-related investigation.
4. Violated county anti-discrimination policy by hindering an investigation
into his conduct and retaliating against the complainant and witnesses to
the investigation (petition charges 7, 13, 14, 19, 20, 23, 24, and 26)
The following charges also stem from the complaint and interference with
the investigation as discussed in the previous section. This section, however,
addresses allegations about the lengths that Sheriff Hatcher went to in order to
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No. 98968-1
hinder the investigation into his discriminatory and retaliatory conduct toward his
employees.
(a) Charge 7: Protecting the Confidentiality of the Complaint
Recall petitioners allege that on February 4, 2020, after Sheriff Hatcher
learned that a complaint had been filed against him, he went out of his way to learn
the identity of the complainant. Sheriff Hatcher called Commander Caughey into
his office to discuss a recent guild letter. The sheriff asked Commander Caughey if
Lieutenant Magnuson “is the one poisoning the guild.” CP at 168. Commander
Caughey told the sheriff to speak with Lieutenant Magnuson as he did not believe
he could or should be having the discussion as it could be a violation of county
policy and/or state law.
On February 5, 2020, the sheriff again insisted that Commander Caughey
tell him “about the issues Erik Magnuson has with him.” Id. The commander tried
to avoid the question and told Sheriff Hatcher he was there to inform him of his
need to run to the county shops and that he did not want to discuss the issue for
fear of violating the Anti-Discrimination policy or state law. Sheriff Hatcher
insisted that Commander Caughey tell him what was going on and told him he
“had one more chance to tell him what the issues were with Erik.” Id. According to
Commander Caughey, he took the words to mean that if he refused to answer the
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sheriff’s question that “I was facing discipline to include demotion or termination
and that I had no choice but to provide the Sheriff with an answer.” Id.
According to Commander Caughey, he told the sheriff that Lieutenant
Magnuson had filed a complaint and again insisted the discussion could violate the
policy or state law. Following this encounter, Commander Caughey documented
this interaction in an e-mail to human resources. Later that same day, the sheriff
held another meeting with Commander Law and Commander Caughey in which he
repeatedly attempted to coerce the commanders into revealing the contents of the
complaint. He also stressed loyalty and commitment to him and repeatedly
referenced demoting and firing in relationship to loyalty to him. Commander Law
linked these concepts to the complaint.
Under the policy,
[e]mployees are encouraged to report discrimination and harassment
at the earliest possible time. Complaints may be made either verbally
or in writing. Complaints are to be made in good faith. Benton County
protects the confidentiality of discrimination and harassment
complaints to the extent possible. If necessary, complaints may be
made anonymously and will be investigated if sufficient information
for an investigation is provided.
Id. at 293. Further, as indicated in ballot synopsis charge 3, any sort of retaliation,
including adverse treatment that is likely to deter individuals from engaging in
protected behaviors, is prohibited. This includes hostility toward complainants and
participants.
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Voters could certainly find that Sheriff Hatcher’s conduct violated the
BCSO’s policy and, arguably, the law. Commander Caughey explicitly warned the
sheriff that the conversation may be against the law or the policy, and a reasonable
inference under Pearsall-Stipek is that Sheriff Hatcher thus intended to violate the
policy. Sheriff Hatcher was the subject of the investigation, and he was not tasked
with overseeing the investigation. Therefore, the constant badgering and attempts
to gain information coupled with the clear threats of demotion, termination, or
disciplinary action is a violation of his oath of office or misfeasance.
(b) Charges 13 and 14: Witness Interviews with a Representative
These charges present essentially the same facts and reasoning as ballot
synopsis charge 3. The facts and analysis discussed in that section apply in full
here.
(c) Charges 19, 20, 23, 24, 26: Retaliating against a Witness
Sergeant Erickson alleges that between February 2020 and June 2020,
Sheriff Hatcher retaliated against witnesses (Commander Law, Commander
Caughey, and Commander Croskrey) in violation of the Anti-Discrimination
Policy on three different dates. The text of the policy provision at issue is quoted in
ballot synopsis charge 3. The facts alleged establish that Sheriff Hatcher repeatedly
retaliated against the commanders in his attempt to manipulate the testimony of the
witnesses and the overall investigation.
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The investigation conducted by Ms. Blatt found that Sheriff Hatcher
retaliated against Lieutenant Magnuson because of his union activity and suspected
involvement with the Guild’s letters. The retaliatory behavior included making
negative comments to the lieutenant about his religious beliefs and excluding him
from command staff meetings because he was unwilling to support the sheriff and
was considered disloyal. It was well known to each member of his command staff
that the sheriff “will not tolerate ‘disloyalty.’” Id. at 197. It was reasonable to
conclude that the sheriff’s behavior was designed to intimidate and chill the
lieutenant’s protected union activity and behavior.
Furthermore, the investigation showed that Sheriff Hatcher’s retaliatory
behavior included acts toward Commander Law and Commander Caughey. Ms.
Blatt found that after the sheriff learned that these two commanders were
witnesses, he began using sticky notes in meetings, allegedly to document negative
performance, and he warned the commanders that he would find out what they said
in the interview with her and would “take great exception to disloyalty.” Id. at 197-98. He informed them that they could not participate in the interviews on paid time
unless he could have a representative sit in on their interviews and informed them
that he too could “whistleblow.” Id. at 198. Shortly thereafter, a false allegation
from 2017 surfaced in which he alleged that the commanders used county
ammunition improperly during a hunting trip. Ms. Blatt “determined that the
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Sheriff’s motive for raising this allegation now (and not in 2017) can be for no
other purpose than to retaliate against the witnesses for participating in an
investigation against him.” Id. at 396 (emphasis added). She also found that “the
Sheriff’s behavior is intended to damage the reputation of the witnesses (by raising
an allegation of impropriety) and to make the witnesses believe they will lose their
jobs or be demoted if they share any negative information about the Sheriff in this
investigation.” Id.
However, the retaliatory behavior did not conclude when the formal
investigation was over. On May 7, 2020, Sheriff Hatcher held a meeting with
Commanders Law and Caughey, under the guise of discussing staffing, that ended
up lasting six-and-a-half hours. At this point Sheriff Hatcher knew that the
commanders were both witnesses in both investigations against the sheriff. Sheriff
Hatcher steered the conversation away from staffing and toward the investigations,
and he stated that “he was sick and tired of people blaming him for everything that
has happened over the last 6-8 months, and that both [commanders] are partially
responsible as well.” Id. at 169. He also alleged that Commander Caughey was
dishonest. As to this interaction Commander Caughey states,
I indicated that the accusation was not true. Sheriff Hatcher became
angry and told me I better get that look off of my face and stop being
disrespectful. I told him I was not being disrespectful to him. The
Sheriff used his authority as my boss, he pointed his finger at me and
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In re Recall Charges Against Benton County Sheriff Gerald D. Hatcher,
No. 98968-1
said, “Say one more word.” I said yes sir and nothing further as I felt
if I did he would fire, demote or discipline me.
Id. at 169-70. Sheriff Hatcher then accused Commander Caughey of being
disrespectful and informed him that the previous sheriff would have fired both of
them for their disrespect.
Sheriff Hatcher then indicated that Lieutenant Magnuson was “stirring the
pot” and that he would not tolerate it anymore. Id. at 170. He told the commanders
that allowing them to form the Guild was a mistake and “has become his worst
nightmare.” Id. “Sheriff Hatcher said when the time comes for negotiations and
language for our Collective Bargaining unit that he will be fighting tooth and nail
on wording.” Id.
The conversation turned to the investigation of the ammunition, and Sheriff
Hatcher asked if Commander Caughey called him a “thief.” Id. Commander
Caughey replied he did not recall, but Sheriff Hatcher stated he “was ‘going to
know’” if this was truthful because he had the investigative binders. Id. at 170-71.
Commander Caughey indicated that he was unsure how the sheriff could
investigate himself. “Sheriff Hatcher became angry and said it is because it is the
law, I had better read it and understand that it is in his authority as a sheriff to
investigate any crime in Benton County, including those where he is the suspect.”
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Id. at 171. After back and forth about the ammunition, Sheriff Hatcher “said that
[they] had better hope that [they] didn’t say he stole the ammunition.” Id. at 172.
Commander Law asked Sheriff Hatcher if he had told others about the
commanders taking ammunition in 2017. Sheriff Hatcher stated he did not know
they had taken the ammunition. Commander Law stated that was a lie as they had
asked the sheriff for permission, and Sheriff Hatcher then said he did not know
how much ammunition they had taken. Commander Law indicated Sheriff Hatcher
knew they took the ammunition because he was supposed to go on the trip. The
sheriff agreed but again stated he did not know how much ammunition they took.
When asked if he told Detective Carlson, Sheriff Hatcher admitted he had.
Commander Law indicated this did not make sense, as they had permission to take
the ammunition for training. Sheriff Hatcher again agreed that they did have
permission to take the ammunition on the trip.
Turning to Lieutenant Magnuson’s complaint, Sheriff Hatcher stated that “it
feels like this is all being used against him and he will know who has been loyal or
not and there will be consequences.” Id. at 173. He said that “he will not have a
commander that is not committed to him and will not stand with him,” and asked
the commanders multiple times if they would stand by him. Id. The commanders
did not reply. Sheriff Hatcher reiterated that they had to stand by him.
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Commanders Law and Caughey both felt as though they could be demoted or fired
if they had shared negative information in the investigations.
After this conversation, Sheriff Hatcher changed the structure of meetings
within the office. Although for two years Sheriff Hatcher had met with
Commanders Law and Caughey together, he initiated a “change in the meeting
structure whereby [Commander] Law and [Commander Caughey] do not meet
with Sheriff Hatcher at the same time.” Id. at 174-75. Commander Caughey stated
that this creates additional work for the commanders to coordinate related to their
duties.
Finally, on June 23, 2020, Sheriff Hatcher, on live radio, made false
accusations that recently retired Commander Croskrey had issues related to his
time cards. The facts surrounding this allegation date back to November 2019. At
that time, Commander Croskrey was in charge of the BCSO for two weeks due to
the domestic violence allegations against Sheriff Hatcher. Given the nature of the
allegations, Commander Croskrey handled Ms. Hatcher’s case and created the
domestic violence safety plan. When Sheriff Hatcher returned from his leave, he
told Commander Croskrey “‘When I find out who’s talking to my wife, they’re
through!’” Id. at 90. Although it was policy for Commander Croskrey to create the
plan, he believed that his employment was at risk because he was an “at will”
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employee and “Sheriff Hatcher is consumed with hostility, anger, and engages in
the use of deception and lies when he sees the need for such action.” Id.
Around this time, Sheriff Hatcher was angry about the Guild writing public
letters indicating they did not support the sheriff. Sheriff Hatcher threatened to
interview all the deputies and make them “‘Brady cops.’” 4 Id. at 94. This was
especially concerning to Commander Croskrey as his son is a deputy, and he
believed it to be a threat to both of their jobs. After one conversation in which
Sheriff Hatcher told Commander Croskrey that he was going to investigate the
commander’s son, “for what appeared to be no reason,” Sheriff Hatcher asked
Commander Croskrey “to call the Tri-City Herald and give them a positive
supporting for him.” Id. at 95.
In June 2020, Commander Croskrey submitted his resignation. As part of the
resignation process, there was follow-up regarding a whistleblower complaint with
human resources about Sheriff Hatcher’s unethical and unlawful behaviors. Also
during this process, human resources found no issues relating to Commander
Croskrey’s time cards. This culminated in Sheriff Hatcher, on live radio, accusing
Commander Croskrey of having “issues relating to [his] use of time.” Id. at 200.
4
See Brady v. Maryland, 373 U.S. 83, 83 S. Ct. 1194, 10 L. Ed. 2d 215 (1963); see also Jonathan Abel, Brady's Blind Spot: Impeachment Evidence in Police Personnel Files and the Battle Splitting the Prosecution Team, 67 STAN. L. REV. 743, 746-47 (2015).
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These allegations are extremely concerning and establish an ongoing pattern
of threatening and retaliatory behaviors showing the hostile work environment that
Sheriff Hatcher created. Sheriff Hatcher attempts to explain away his retaliatory
behavior, arguing that conduct that “may” deter one from participating in protected
activity is insufficient. He states that it must actually deter them. To the contrary,
the policy indicates it is a violation if the behavior is “reasonably likely to deter,”
not that it must deter. Id. at 255. The extensive threats, false accusations, and
negative remarks are reasonably likely to deter witnesses and complainants from
engaging in protected activity. Thus, his behavior is a violation of the policy and
amounts to misfeasance and a violation of his oath of office.
5. Illegally intimidated public servants and witnesses in investigations into
his conduct by raising false allegations of impropriety and threatening
witnesses’ jobs (petition charges 15, 16, 17, 18, 21, 22, and 25)
(a) Charges 15, 16, 17, and 18: April 7, 2020 Accusation
On April 7, 2020, Sheriff Hatcher had a meeting with Detective Carlson to
discuss the “‘firearms program.’” Id. at 101-02. Detective Carlson had never met
with Sheriff Hatcher in a private meeting before. Id. at 102. In the meeting, Sheriff
Hatcher told Detective Carlson that in 2017, Commanders Law and Caughey had
used county ammunition to go on a hunting trip and hunt squirrels. Sheriff Hatcher
did not tell Detective Carlson that he had authorized the use of the ammunition for
the trip. Detective Carlson was “surprised” that Sheriff Hatcher was discussing the
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No. 98968-1
ammunition use by two material witnesses in the investigations in which Sheriff
Hatcher was the suspect. Id. During the investigation, Sheriff Hatcher told Ms.
Blatt that he had not approved the use of the ammunition for the trip. This was a
misleading statement as he later confirmed that he had approved the taking and use
of the county ammunition for training on the trip.
Sergeant Erickson alleges this amounts to intimidating witnesses under
RCW 9A.72.110 and intimidating public servants under RCW 9A.76.180.
Under RCW 9A.72.110,
(1) A person is guilty of intimidating a witness if a person, by use of a
threat against a current or prospective witness, attempts to:
(a) Influence the testimony of that person;
(3) As used in this section:
(b) “Current or prospective witness” means:
(i) A person endorsed as a witness in an official proceeding;
(ii) A person whom the actor believes may be called as a
witness in any official proceeding.
Under RCW 9A.76.180(1), “[a] person is guilty of intimidating a public
servant if, by use of a threat, he or she attempts to influence a public servant’s vote,
opinion, decision, or other official action as a public servant.” Both sections use
the definition of “threat” from RCW 9A.04.110(28),
“Threat” means to communicate, directly or indirectly the intent:
(d) To accuse any person of a crime or cause criminal charges
to be instituted against any person; or
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In re Recall Charges Against Benton County Sheriff Gerald D. Hatcher,
No. 98968-1
(e) To expose a secret or publicize an asserted fact, whether true
or false, tending to subject any person to hatred, contempt, or ridicule;
or
(f) To reveal any information sought to be concealed by the
person threatened; or
(h) To take wrongful action as an official against anyone or
anything, or wrongfully withhold official action, or cause such action
or withholding.
Sheriff Hatcher knew that there was an open investigation into his potential
criminal activity. Accordingly, voters could find that when he provided and spread
the false accusation regarding Commander Law’s and Commander Caughey’s use
of ammunition, he attempted to influence the testimony of the potential witnesses.
The spreading of false information would affect the credibility of the witnesses and
subject them to ridicule and hatred for also violating the same policy for which the
sheriff was under investigation (appropriating county ammunition). There is a
reasonable inference that in spreading a false accusation about the commanders,
akin to the crime for which he was being investigated, that Sheriff Hatcher
intended to influence their testimony in the investigation and any further
proceedings or to attack their credibility, which would affect and interfere with
their performance of their official duties.
As to intimidation of public servants, Sergeant Erickson alleges that Sheriff
Hatcher also used this threat to attempt to influence the official action of the
commanders, who at the time were police officers and, thus, public servants. He
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No. 98968-1
alleges that because the commanders had a duty to report any crimes committed by
the sheriff, he attempted to influence their official action by spreading the
accusation and making them fear for their jobs. These facts, in conjunction with the
entire context of retaliation and intimidation establish a prima facie case that
Sheriff Hatcher did knowingly and intentionally violate the laws of intimidating
witnesses and public servants.
Sheriff Hatcher does not make any argument as to the legal sufficiency of
these charges but, instead, focuses on facts and alleged political motivations in the
present recalls, neither of which we are to consider. Accordingly, the voters could
find that these acts amount to misfeasance and a violation of the oath of office.
(b) Charges 21 and 22: May 7, 2020 Intimidating Witnesses
Sergeant Erickson alleges that on or about May 7, 2020, Sheriff Hatcher did
intimidate witnesses (Commanders Law and Caughey) in violation of RCW
9A.72.110 during their six-and-a-half-hour meeting.
Consistent with sections 4(c) and 5(a), the allegations from this meeting
establish a prima facie case of malfeasance and misfeasance for wrongful conduct
that interferes with the duties of the sheriff. For an elected official to threaten jobs
of employees who are not “loyal” to the official is a violation of the oath of office
and is wrongful conduct.
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Sheriff Hatcher unpersuasively argues that the command staff’s employment
is within his discretion in that his employees “serve at his pleasure.” Appellant’s
Br. at 29. However, the sheriff who threatens jobs as retaliation and intimidation
against those who are witnesses in an investigation against him manifestly abuses
his discretion.
(c) Charge 25: June 23, 2020 Intimidating a Witness
Sergeant Erickson alleges that the June 23, 2020 public radio announcement
(as discussed in section 4 (c)) when Sheriff Hatcher alleged, on public radio, that
Commander Croskrey had “issues with his timecard or accounting for his time,”
that Sheriff Hatcher’s conduct amounts to intimidation of Commander Croskrey in
violation of RCW 9A.72.110. CP at 61-62.
Pursuant to the definition of “threat,” Sergeant Erickson alleges that the
comments were made to damage Commander Croskrey’s reputation, allege
impropriety, and make the witness believe he was being investigated for time card
allegations. When viewed in the context of Sheriff Hatcher’s pattern of threatening
and retaliatory behavior, this action constitutes substantial conduct. Here, Sheriff
Hatcher was aware that Commander Croskrey had made a whistleblower
complaint regarding the sheriff’s unethical behaviors and his threats to investigate
deputies and make them “Brady cops.” There is a reasonable inference given the
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No. 98968-1
entirety of the investigations that the sheriff did intend to influence any testimony
Commander Croskrey may give, thus violating RCW 9A.72.110.
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 (petition charges 1, 2, and 3)
Sergeant Erickson alleges that Sheriff Hatcher made multiple false or
misleading statements to KPD in violation of RCW 9A.76.175 which reads,
A person who knowingly makes a false or misleading material
statement to a public servant is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.
“Material statement” means a written or oral statement reasonably
likely to be relied upon by a public servant in the discharge of his or
her official powers or duties.
Sheriff Hatcher admitted to multiple employees that while he and his wife
were arguing about his having an affair, he “grabbed [Ms. Hatcher] by the neck
and moved her out of [his] way.” CP at 518; see also id. at 89. The court granted a
temporary DVPO to Ms. Hatcher and against Sheriff Hatcher, which prohibited
him from possessing weapons. Also granted was an order to surrender weapons,
which required Sheriff Hatcher to surrender all weapons within his possession,
including all weapons on his person, in his vehicle, and in his homes in Kennewick
and Montana.
On October 7, 2019, KPD Commander Chris Guerrero contacted Sheriff
Hatcher to obtain his firearms. At that time Sheriff Hatcher indicated he did not
have a concealed weapons permit and “currently only had 2 firearms in his
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No. 98968-1
possession.” Id. at 128. He further indicated he had two firearms at his Kennewick
home and “other” firearms in Montana. Id. On October 8, 2019, Sheriff Hatcher
turned over one more weapon, a Glock 9 mm handgun.
On October 15, 2019, at a court hearing for the divorce, Sheriff Hatcher’s
attorney indicated that the sheriff had turned over all of his firearms. However, Ms.
Hatcher’s attorney indicated that there were still 7 more guns that belonged to
Sheriff Hatcher in Ms. Hatcher’s Kennewick home. On the same day, Sheriff
Hatcher contacted KPD to surrender 5 additional firearms. He also notified them
that there were “several” additional firearms at his wife’s residence in Kennewick.
When KPD went to the Kennewick home, they recovered 10 firearms. Id. at 158.
Sergeant Erickson contends that Sheriff Hatcher made false and misleading
statements to public servants (KPD officers) when he failed to accurately indicate
the number of firearms he had. The voters could certainly find that it is true that
Sheriff Hatcher did not disclose a true count of the number of weapons he owned
and controlled. They could also find that his statements were false and material and
inhibited the KPD officers’ ability to obtain all of the weapons as ordered. As a
law enforcement officer, he was aware of what was required of him, and he made
misleading statements to the law enforcement officer and arguably to the judge.
There is a prima facie showing that he violated his oath of office.
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Sheriff Hatcher mistakenly contends that because this was a private divorce
case, any acts he committed were not “undertaken in his official duties as the
sheriff” and the charges should be dismissed. Appellant’s Br. at 9. The flaw in his
position is that as a public official, Sheriff Hatcher is in a unique position regarding
the law. The sheriff, as the person elected to enforce the law, is always charged
with upholding the laws of the State of Washington. He knew of the court’s
temporary DVPO and the order to surrender weapons, and he knew what was
required to comply with the orders. The voters could find that the sheriff
committed misfeasance and malfeasance when he interfered with the performance
of official duty by misrepresenting the number of weapons he owned or had in his
possession and failed to correct his attorney’s misstatement to the court that all
firearms had been turned over to KPD. They could find that he also committed an
unlawful act when he made a false statement to the KPD officers and/or that these
acts were a violation of the oath of office.
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 (petition charges 8 and 9)
Sergeant Erickson alleges that on February 14, 2020, he and Commander
Croskrey were public servants with a statutory duty to report criminal activity. He
alleges that when Sheriff Hatcher indicated that he would begin a criminal
investigation and administrative review, he made a false statement to two public
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In re Recall Charges Against Benton County Sheriff Gerald D. Hatcher,
No. 98968-1
officials in violation of RCW 9A.76.175 (as discussed in the previous section).
Contrary to his statement, Sheriff Hatcher did not begin a criminal investigation. A
reasonable inference can be made that both Sergeant Erickson and Commander
Croskrey relied on this material statement when they did not report the alleged
criminal activity to another party.
Sheriff Hatcher challenges this accusation, stating that Sergeant Erickson
does not establish substantial conduct and that it was a discretionary decision to not
begin a criminal investigation. To the contrary, given the implications that the false
statement involves no criminal investigation of the sheriff’s alleged crimes, this
was substantial conduct with no tenable justification. In addition, when the
sheriff’s behavior is viewed as a whole, Sheriff Hatcher’s repeated attempts to
avoid criminal charges and his belief that his retaliatory acts would prevent
Sergeant Erickson from reporting his allegations to others, Sheriff Hatcher’s
behavior constitutes a manifest abuse of discretion given his oath to uphold the
laws and his duty to investigate.
8. Falsified a public record by placing a false date on an investigation
request (petition charge 10)
In the wake of the conversation regarding Sergeant Erickson’s decision to
self-demote, Sheriff Hatcher initiated an administrative review. Sheriff Hatcher
produced a letter dated February 14, 2020 to the Franklin County sheriff with a
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In re Recall Charges Against Benton County Sheriff Gerald D. Hatcher,
No. 98968-1
formal request to initiate an administrative review. However according to the
metadata, the letter he produced was actually created on February 21, 2020.
Sergeant Erickson alleges that Sheriff Hatcher violated RCW 40.16.020, which
criminalizes “falsify[ing] any record or paper appertaining to the officer’s office.”
The voters could find that Sheriff Hatcher did falsify the letter when he
dated it for a date prior to the actual date the file was created. Although Sheriff
Hatcher claims that it was backdated to when he had the initial conversation, we do
not weigh the evidence. Further, this is not simply an act of changing a date.
Sheriff Hatcher falsified the date on the administrative review of himself, which he
sent to his political ally. This act, when viewed in context with all of the wrongful
actions taken by Sheriff Hatcher, is a substantial act. This violation is also a class B
felony and could result in up to 10 years in prison. That the sheriff, who has been
elected to uphold the law, would also intentionally violate it, is substantial.
MOTION TO STRIKE
On October 13, 2020, Sergeant Erickson filed a motion to strike appendix A of
Sheriff Hatcher’s reply brief and all reference to the appendix within the brief,
alleging that the document contained in the appendix was not considered in the
record before the superior court. Sheriff Hatcher does not challenge this assertion but,
instead, contends that he was supplementing the record with relevant documents. We
grant the motion to strike the appendix and all reference to the appendix contained
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In re Recall Charges Against Benton County Sheriff Gerald D. Hatcher,
No. 98968-1
within Sheriff Hatcher’s reply brief. See Nelson v. McGoldrick, 127 Wn.2d 124, 141,
896 P.2d 1258 (1995) (granting motion to strike portions of brief that alleged facts
unsupported by the record and included evidence not submitted to or considered by
the trial court).
CONCLUSION
We affirm the superior court and find that all of the charges are legally and
factually sufficient. Recall petitions are read broadly, as a whole, and in favor of
the voter. The recall petitioner has alleged facts that, when viewed through that
lens, establish a prima facie case of misfeasance, malfeasance, and unlawful
conduct for each charge made against Sheriff Hatcher, for which there is no
reasonable justification.
Accordingly all eight charges contained in the ballot synopsis may proceed
to the voters.
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No. 98968-1
Whitener, J.
WE CONCUR.
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