Benton Co Sheriff charged with assault, witness tampering

Benton County Sheriff Jerry Hatcher has been charged with Fourth Degree Assault, a gross misdemeanor, and Felony Witness Tampering, stemming from an alleged assault that took place in December 2017.

According to court documents, the incident happened during a confrontation between the sheriff and his now-estranged wife, Monica in their home. She accused Hatcher of having an affair with Lisa Thomas and that is when Ms. Hatcher confronted him with it in December 2017, he allegedly physically abused her.

Thomas, who is currently running for a spot on the Richland City Council issued the following statement through attorney William Edelblute:

“I will not comment on someone else’s divorce litigation, involving allegations from 2017. I do not condone domestic violence. I have great compassion for anyone else who has, or is, going through this, and we should all work together to eliminate it. I have no other comments to make on this matter out of respect for the people involved in the judicial process.
Lisa Thomas”

The divorce paperwork was filed last year, but last Friday a no-contact order was issued against Sheriff Hatcher, who had to surrender his weapons. A court hearing on the matter is scheduled for October 15th.