Thursday, October 1, 2026
A Thurston County Sheriff’s Office patrol deputy was terminated for allegedly failing to investigate a domestic violence incident and misrepresenting material information in the case.
The termination of the unidentified patrol deputy stems from an incident in July to which the deputy responded. During the patrol deputy’s investigation into the incident on July 12, a woman reported a physical assault and threats by her partner earlier in the day.
“The deputy did not investigate further, did not write a case report, and noted in the call log ‘spoke with (involved party) who stated no assault, no property damage, no threats,’” said the sheriff’s office in a news release on Sept. 16.
“This was determined to be an untruthful misrepresentation of fact. The woman then went missing under suspicious circumstances two days later. Deputies and detectives subsequently located the woman unharmed on 7-15-26.”
After a review of body cam footage, the patrol deputy was placed on administrative leave.
“The allegations were determined to be substantiated through an internal investigation, and on 9-15-26, the deputy was terminated,” said the sheriff’s office in the news release.
“A notice of separation form has been provided to the Criminal Justice Training Commission, and the (prosecutor’s office) has been provided a Brady notice. The organization representing the deputy has filed a grievance demanding the deputy be reinstated.”
If the termination decision is overturned, the sheriff’s office said another news release would follow.
“It is the expectation of Thurston County Sheriff’s Office that employees fully investigate and accurately document incidents of domestic violence as set forth by RCW (Revised Code of Washington), case law, policy, and ethics,” said the sheriff’s office in the news release.
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KatAshe
I for one am proud to live in a community where are peace officers are held to high standards, and the bad apples are disposed of. Sadly, too often we here in other communities where those in charge turn a blind eye to unacceptable behavior.
Wednesday, September 23 Report this
HotTractor
Glad to hear there was an investigation and appropriate action taken, based on the results.
Wednesday, September 23 Report this
SecondOtter
Several years ago, (when Snaza was still Sheriff,) while I was walking, B. Martin, someone I'd never met, came out of his house, stood in front of me to block me, and accused me of 'flipping off his wife'. I had no idea what he was talking about. He then informed me that he was 'carrying' and dared me to 'walk past his house' if I doubted him. . He was obviously looking for a fight. I turned around and walked off. I hadn't taken my phone so when I got home I called TCSO. An officer came out and talked to the man and then called me and said I was mistaken, I hadn't been threatened.
Later that year that same man: shot his wife in the face with a BB gun in the face: shot out several windows in downtown Olympia, threatened to shoot someone in Tumwater, and did something to someone's vehicle, I can't remember what, and committed other crimes that ultimately landed him in prison.
It pee'ed me off that the TCSO deputy dismissed my complaint. I wonder if he later realized that threatening me, a total stranger, was just the beginning of Martin's crimes.
When we call, deputies need to take us seriously.
Wednesday, September 23 Report this
Uoglio
I’m glad the sheriff’s office followed through on the investigation. I now hope that the deputy in question will have this situation noted on their record and that the record is available to any other jurisdiction in the COUNTRY looking to hire this person as a peace officer.
Thursday, September 24 Report this
Boatyarddog
Another reason Sheriff Sanders is the Right Choice for A continued Presence AS Thurston County Sheriff.
He's Got The Right Stuff for a Sheriff. Thank you Sheriff Sanders! Im looking forward to your continuing Presence in T.C. VOTING FOR SANDERS
Thursday, September 24 Report this
LindaD
Wow. That was quick and decisive as it should be.
Thursday, September 24 Report this
Carolyn Byerly
This is great news! Sheriff Sanders' serious attention to this officer's dereliction of duty is so much progress since the late 1970s when those of us in **** Relief (and its successor agency, Safeplace) had difficulty getting local police agencies to take domestic violence calls seriously. Women are safer with a responsible approach to policing.
Friday, September 25 Report this
TheVirtualOne
Deputy fired as he should be. Thanks for holding him accountable.
Saturday, September 26 Report this