Spokane County officials confirm they have been asked by Benton County to take over the investigation into allegations against Sheriff Jerry Hatcher.

Hatcher's estranged wife filed for a temporary protection order October 4th. The order, which was granted by a Superior Court Judge, contains many claims and allegations of Domestic Abuse, including a choking incident in December of 2017.

The couple separated September 8, Monica Hatcher filed for divorce ten days later. The acrimony stems reportedly from an affair she claims he had with a social media coordinator during his first election run.

Asking an out of county department to handle investigations is not uncommon, say officials. Prosecutor Andy Miller of Benton County indicated he did so because of personal knowledge of the case and the situation.

Another court date on the matter is scheduled for October 15th.

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