Benton County Sheriff Recall

BALLOT SYNOPSIS OF RECALL CHARGES AGAINST JERRY HATCHER, BENTON COUNTY SHERIFF SHERIFF JERRY HATCHER RESPONSE TO RECALL CHARGES

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. 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.

Should Jerry Hatcher be recalled from office based upon these charges?

[ ] Recall Yes [ ] Recall No 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 made all witness available. I also requested an elected Sheriff be present to ensure objectivity and accountability. They provide no evidence of any retaliation other that their allegation. 4. The allegation that was raised was factual and the individuals did not want to be held to the same standards as everyone else. 5. All firearms were provided in accordance with the court order and they provide no evidence to support the allegation. 6. Hearing of the allegation, I requested an outside law enforcement agency conduct an investigation on myself for transparency and accountability. No violation of policy or the law were found. 7. I place the date I requested and received approval for the investigation on the letter I sent the outside law enforcement agency. No person deserves to be falsely accused. The Constitution protects each of us with rights, due 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.