Franklin County elected officials are under investigation for witness tampering and intimidation

PASCO, Wash. – The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office is conducting a criminal investigation into several elected officials in Franklin County, according to a news release.

FCSO says Commissioner Rocky Mullen, Auditor Matt Beaton and a third unnamed officer are under investigation. Violations include tampering with a witness, misconduct, criminal conspiracy, making a false or misleading statement to a public official, and intimidation of a public official.

The investigation was reportedly initiated by a complaint from County Administrator Mike Gonzalez and information from the Franklin County District Attorney’s Office.

The Benton County Sheriff’s Office will assist in the investigation, which will be referred to the Snohomish County Prosecutor’s Office for charges.

The exact charges against each officer will be revealed after the investigation is turned over to the district attorney’s office, according to FCSO.

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