Former Pasco councilman fired from Sunnyside job. He says it’s retaliation
Irving Brown, a former Pasco city councilman, is claiming retaliation after being fired from his job at the city of Sunnyside on Monday.
Brown started working for the city in February.
His attorney Ben York told the Tri-City Herald that Brown was informed by the city’s finance director early Monday morning that he had been terminated from his position at Sunnyside’s Human Resources manager. York said the termination was treated as “not for cause.”
But York said that the firing was in clear retaliation for seeking protection from Councilwoman Theresa Hancock and her “ongoing targeted harassment and unlawful conduct.”
York believes the city is “clearing house” by removing staff members who disagree with Hancock’s views. He believes there are other city staff who will be fired.
Separately, former City Manager Mike Gonzalez was fired on Sept. 9. Administrative Services Director Kelly Koskie was fired on Aug. 27.
Gonzalez was placed on leave for about three months while an independent investigation was conducted. The city council has so far refused to release the investigative material to the public, citing attorney-client privilege. Gonzalez said that it ultimately found no wrongdoing.
The Tri-City Herald has requested a copy of the report.
Protection order
Brown filed a temporary protection order against Hancock on May 30, accusing her of harassment and racism.
Yakima County Superior Court Judge Kevin Naught ruled on Aug. 27 that the temporary protection order would not be made permanent and was no longer necessary.
Ultimately, the judge ruled that there wasn’t enough evidence of direct harassment but York said the court put Hancock on notice.
It was revealed in court that Hancock hired a private investigator to follow, surveil and photograph Brown in order to gather evidence to have him fired while the temporary protection order was in effect. She also allegedly had friends create fake social media accounts to harass him.
Brown’s response
Brown told the Herald Monday that he was “relieved” after he learned that he’d been fired.
His attorney said that there will be action taken against the city in the coming weeks.
“We are currently evaluating all legal options and anticipate a comprehensive response against the city to be filed in the next week or two,” York said.
This story was originally published September 16, 2025 at 4:30 PM.
