Benton Co Deputy’s Guild votes to recall Sheriff Hatcher

KENNEWICK, Wash.- The Benton County Sheriffs Deputy's Guild has unanimously voted to recall Sheriff Jerry Hatcher.

"These individuals are Sheriff Hatcher's patrol deputies, detectives, corporals, sergeants and lieutenants", BCSD Guild attorney Alan Harvey sais in a video posted to YouTube. "And it is unfortunate the decisions of Sheriff Hatcher has made and brought these individuals together to stand united in voting for Sheriff Hatcher to be recalled from his position".

Four and a half months ago, the Guild passed a "vote of no confidence" in Hatcher, and add that since then nothing productive has been done to address their concerns with the Sheriff.

"The Benton County Sheriffs Deputy's Guild has gone through the proper channels to speak out against a criminal leading the Sheriff's Office, and they have received little or no support or response from the county administration on how they plan to move forward against the evidence supporting the allegations that Sheriff Hatcher has committed several criminal acts or infractions", Harvey continued.

Sheriff Hatcher was a guest on "The Bottom Line" Tuesday afternoon and said that while he does not agree with the report and the recall petition, he will abide by the courts ruling.

"If the courts find that there is information, and more importantly, if the voters do not want me to have the accountability in the Sheriff's Office, and they want organized labor try and run the Sheriff's Office, then absolutely, the recall will go through", Sheriff Hatcher said on Tuesday afternoon "The Bottom Line" show.

He adds, however, doing all the administrative duties himself has put a strain on him and he plans to hire an undersheriff.

The Guild announced they will file the recall paperwork this week.

A link to the independent report can be found here.