Benton County Sheriff Recall BALLOT SYNOPSIS OF RECALL CHARGES AGAINST JERRY HATCHER, BENTON COUNTY SHERIFF The charges that Jerry Hatcher, Benton County Sheriff, committed misfeasance, malfeasance, and/or violated his oath of office allege that he: 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.
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SHERIFF JERRY HATCHER RESPONSE TO RECALL CHARGES The Recall synopsis uses inflammatory words like ”charges” or “Illegally” to purposely mislead voters. The Recall Court requires no proof for any allegation or alleged illegal act. 1. All practice ammunition was used to train with at the County Range and they provide no evidence otherwise. 2. I directed all unused ammunition to be place back in the armory per department policy and in accordance with the law. They provide no evidence to support the allegation.
3. I fully cooperated with the investigation and 4. Violated county anti-discrimination policy by hindering made all witness available. I also requested an an investigation into his conduct and retaliating against elected Sheriff be present to ensure objectivity and the complainant and witnesses to the investigation. accountability. They provide no evidence of any 5. Illegally intimidated public servants and witnesses in retaliation other that their allegation.
investigations into his conduct by raising false allegations 4. The allegation that was raised was factual and the individuals did not want to be held to the same of impropriety and threatening witnesses’ jobs. standards as everyone else. 6. Illegally made false or misleading statements to law 5. All firearms were provided in accordance with the enforcement and the court regarding the number of court order and they provide no evidence to support firearms he needed to surrender pursuant to a court the allegation. order. 6. Hearing of the allegation, I requested an outside 7. Illegally made false or misleading statements to law enforcement agency conduct an investigation public servants claiming that he had initiated a criminal on myself for transparency and accountability. No investigation into his own conduct when he had not. violation of policy or the law were found. 8. Falsified a public record by placing a false date on an 7. I place the date I requested and received approval for the investigation on the letter I sent the investigation request. outside law enforcement agency. Should Jerry Hatcher be recalled from office based upon No person deserves to be falsely accused. The these charges? Constitution protects each of us with rights, due [ ] Recall Yes [ ] Recall No
Local Voters’ Pamphlet
process, and a presumption of innocence. The Recall process sidesteps these rights and allows unsubstantiated allegations to be presented as evidence or proof of wrongdoing.
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