New Benton County prosecutor sworn in for first time in 36 years

Benton County’s first new prosecutor in 36 years was welcomed with a standing ovation in a packed courtroom this week.

Eric Eisinger was sworn into the position Wednesday afternoon after winning the spot in November to replace retiring Prosecutor Andy Miller. Eisinger defeated Benton County Civil Deputy Ryan Lukson with 51 % of the vote.

“It’s a huge responsibility,” Eisinger told the Herald. “I am really excited. I’m convinced that we can protect and make this a better community.”

He said he wants to make sure people remain feeling safe and not have to worry about random acts of violence.

The prosecutor is generally considered the top law enforcement official in the county and decides whether to pursue charges in felony and misdemeanor cases. His office also provides legal counsel to Benton County officials, including the county commissioners.

The position comes with a $203,000 annual paycheck and is responsible for managing a department and officer with 63 employees, including 32 criminal and civil attorneys.

Eisinger has practiced law for about 19 years, including spending time as a prosecutor in Yakima and Lewis counties, as well as the city of Kennewick. He’s spent the past 12 years in private practice, most recently with Richland’s Walker Heye law firm.

At the ceremony in Kennewick, he described the nine-month campaign as similar to taking on a new client in private practice.

“I was in fact hired by my biggest client ever, the people of Benton County to take on the biggest work of my career, representing the people,” he said. “I’m here to tell you that I feel called to do this work.

“I feel called because I know that Benton County is the best place in the state of Washington to live and raise your family. Because I know over the course of time, it can be even better,” he said.

His wife and five children were among the friends, colleagues and family who attended the ceremony.

Taking over

Superior Court Judge Diana Ruff, who presided over the ceremony, joked that the last time there was a new prosecutor sworn in people were still renting VHS tapes and many were learning about criminal law from Angela Lansbury on the TV show “Murder, She Wrote.”

“The voters of Benton County have placed their faith in him and his abilities to run what is the most unique civil and criminal practice in town,” she said.

Prosecutors are bound by ethics to only pursue cases that are supported by evidence and to speak up if they see a miscarriage of justice, she said.

They also need to advocate for victims of crimes and help them navigate what can be a scary and confusing system, Ruff said.

Eisinger told the Herald that Miller has proven to by an exceptional trial prosecutor during his long career.

“Andy Miller has served our community for 36 years,” he said. “I want to congratulate him on his retirement.”

Eisinger said he already has started working with current deputy prosecutors. He said most of them will stay working there when he takes over. Some attended the ceremony.

Lukson, who is a city councilman in Richland, previously said in a statement after the election that he was leaving his job with the county.

While there will be some changes in the department, he said it’s still too early to say what those might be.

“There are some spectacular deputy prosecutors in Benton County,” he said. “I’m grateful that some of them have committed to staying on, and I’m looking forward to working with them.”

This story was originally published December 30, 2022 at 11:43 AM.