WALLA WALLA -- Saying they are "frustrated and incensed," Walla Walla County commissioners have demanded state authorities provide information on a long-running investigation into the county sheriff's office.
The probe, which began in October 2009, was initiated by then-Sheriff Mike Humphreys, who requested the Washington State Patrol look into possible financial improprieties in the sheriff's office.
Officials have said the probe focused on an individual, but requests for details have been denied on the grounds the matter is still under investigation.
Along with the state patrol and the state Auditor's Office, the FBI became involved last year. Since the FBI's involvement, the state patrol and Auditor's Office have deferred comment to that agency.
In a letter to state Auditor Brian Sonntag, commissioners said they want a complete accounting of the costs of the investigatory audit. They also demanded to know where the matter stands.
The letter -- sent earlier this month -- was jointly signed by Commissioners Greg Tompkins, Gregg Loney and Perry Dozier.
Commissioners complained that "despite our regular and repeated requests for an update...this body has received absolutely no information."
"This matter has created much ill-will in the community, and rumors are rampant regarding past employees, by name, causing pain and also affecting the community's trust," commissioners wrote.
"It seems inconceivable that this matter has languished to this extent, with no finalization," commissioners told Sonntag. "The mission of your office, as is provided on the state website, is to hold governments in Washington accountable to its citizens. We have cooperated throughout this investigation and now look to the state Auditor's Office to honor its own commitment to ensure the efficient and effective use of public resources.
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