According to the Benton County Prosecuting Attorney's office the Washington State Patrol is handling the investigation into allegations against Benton County Sheriff Jerry Hatcher.

Friday Oct. 4 his estranged wife Monica filed for a protection order that was granted temporarily by Superior Court Judge Cameron Mitchell.  In the court documents Monica Hatcher claims the Sheriff choked and attempted to strangle her during a domestic argument in December 2017.  It was reportedly a marital argument over an alleged affair he had with his former campaign social media manager.

Hatcher claimed she feared for her safety due to the Sheriff's escalating and unpredictable behavior, she also said he showed up unannounced at her home among other issues.

Hatcher told local media sources he plans to continue serving as Sheriff and dealing with what he says are damaging and inflammatory accusations, according to the Tri-City Herald. He also has complied with the terms of the temporary protection order by giving up his weapons and concealed carry permits.

Another date in court for the two on the matter will occur October 15h.  Monica Hatcher says the two separated September 8, she filed for divorce ten days later. They had been married since 2011.

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