News

Huston case under review by state


2-8
 Franklin county employee charged with embezzling  over $1 million dollars  from the county over the past decade is out of jail. Dennis Merle Huston is accused of using a defunct contractor to funnel money to his pockets. Franklin County prosecutor Shawn Sant says  Huston would  now face prosecution through the State Attorney General’s office.  Since charges were not filed in Franklin County, he has been released from the county jail. Sant indicated that any premature charges could jeopardize the case against Huston. The crime was uncovered by current Auditor Matt Beatton. Though the embezzlement covers a period when Zona Lenhart was County Auditor. The Public Disclosure Commission released a report that indicated that Huston contributed to her re election campaign. Previously , he was sentenced to  four years in prison after it was discovered he had taken government money while working as the finance officer for the Bureau of Reclamation office in Billings Montana. But he was released two years later and hired by Franklin county. Questions have been raised about how he was hired by Franklin county for a Public Works Accounting post, with his criminal record in Montana.

Morales will need to keep attorneys


2-8
A Franklin County Judge has ordered two attorneys to continue representing  a murder suspect even though they have complained the defendant will no longer communicate with them.  Jose Garcia Morales is charged with murder and attempted murder accused of helping to kill a Pasco man.  According to the Tri City Herald ,both Attorney Shelly Ajax  and Moe Spencer said  they no longer could represent Morales.  But Judge Carrie Runge said if they were allowed to step aside, it would be difficult to find other legal counsel. Morales is set for a March 14th trial.
 

Walla Walla arson attempt foiled


2-8  
A Walla Walla woman was arrested yesterday  for attempting to burn down the home of her estranged husband and his girlfriend. Michelle G. Maurer, was taken into custody after she allegedly broke into the home and poured two cans of gasoline on the kitchen floor.  Walla Walla Police were called after the residents returned home and found a side door had been forced open and Maurer inside. Officers arrived at the residence on  Whitman Street at about 2:45 pm to find Maurer had been detained by the female resident.  Police Officer Tim Bennett says when confronted by the residents, Maurer attempted to assault the other female and had a lighter in her hand. Maurer was taken to a local hospital for treatment of her injuries prior to being placed under arrest.  She was lodged at the Walla Walla County Jail for one count of Burglary 1st Degree, attempted 1st Degree Arson, and Malicious Mischief 3rd.

Gun safes help against theft


2-7   
Richland police have investigated two separate incidents in which rifles, guns and pistols have been stolen from two homes. In both cases, someone broke in  and rounded up a number of weapons. Richland police Captain Mike Cobb says the best way to avoid such thefts, is to have a gun safe and use it.Cobb says there is no word if the recent gun thefts are connected, but they are looking for help with the investigation.

Luna Luna evidence will be used


2-7
Police evidence from previous contacts with a murder suspect can be used at the Pasco man’s trial which starts next week. Gregorio Luna Luna is charged with the stabbing death of Griselda Ocampo Mesa. The Tri City Herald  says Judge Robert Swisher gave prosecutors permission to use police information from previous contacts with Luna Luna for his aggravated murder trial.  The defense is arguing self defense in the stabbing

Lockdown continues at Walla Walla


2-7
The Washington State Penitentiary's West Complex remained on lockdown today after a weekend fight between inmates that injured four correctional officers. The four officers were hurt while breaking up the fight Saturday night. All four were treated and released after being taken to a local hospital. Prison spokeswoman  Shari Hall said the fight involved two prisoners who had "handmade sharpened weapons." Both men have been placed in segregation, where they will be interviewed by prison investigators and local law enforcement.

Walla Walla lockdown again


2-6
There has been another lockdown of units at the State Penitentiary at Walla Walla. Four units that housed gang members were placed on lockdown after a fight that occurred around 7:40 pm Saturday. At least four staff members were injured while trying to break up a fight.  Six inmates have been placed in segregation and several weapons used in the fight have been recovered. The incident is still under investigation.

71 year old burned in fire in Kennewick


2-6
A 71 year old Yakima woman was severely burned in a motel room fire that occurred early yesterday morning. Fire crews were called to the Cedars Inn and Suites on North Young street to a report of a fire in a motel room. The victim was apparently smoking in bed and the bedding and her clothing caught fire.  She was transported to Harborview medical Center in Seattle with  burns.  Fire damage to the Motel room was minimal. A combination of cigarettes and alcohol contributed to the fire.

Beer robbers caught in Pasco


2-6
Three suspects were caught red handed after taking beer from  a Pasco seven-eleven store at 14th and Sylvester street this morning around 2 am. The three individuals entered the store, while one of the three distracted the clerk, the other two individuals grabbed six packs of beer and exited the store. The clerk attempted to recover the stolen beer. During the confrontation the clerk was pushed to the ground by the subjects and repeatedly kicked. The three then fled in a vehicle from the scene. Pasco police caught up with the trio at 24th and Sylvester and took all three into custody. All three were booked into the Franklin County jail for Robbery where they will remain pending formal charges.

Franklin County Fraud Arrest Made


2/2/12

A fraud investigation is underway surrounding the activities of the Franklin County public works department. Franklin County Commision chair Brad Peck tells KONA that county auditor Matt Beaton discovered irregularites and the theft of county funds. The case has been turned over to the State Attorney general's office. As a result some workers are on paid leave mainly to insure that information or evidence is not comprimised. Peck added the County is working on it's own internal investigation as well as the State auditors office.

Meanwhile, Pasco police served 2 search warrants today. One at the Public Works Department. The other at a Pasco residence and have arrested 64 year old Dennis Huston. Huston is being held on first degree theft charges related to the Franklin County fraud case, as well as money laundering and possession  of controlled substances. Peck says Huston is a 22-year employee of the county. Huston is on unpaid administrative leave from his job as the chief of accounting and adminstration for the public works department.

Whooping Cough Found in Kennewick Schools


Whooping Cough
2/2/12

 

Kennewick school officials are sending letters home with school children … warning parents about a handful of cases of whooping cough in Kennewick Schools. The letters will go home tomorrow. The district reports two students have been diagnosed and are being treated. Whooping cough is also known as pertussis. Pertussis is very easily spread from person to person through coughing, sneezing or contact with mucus from the nose and throat. Once infected and if not treated, a person with Pertussis can pass the infection to others for 3-4 weeks. Health officials say up to date immunizations are the best defense against it.

 

 

 

Candidate Decides to Run For Different House


Jay Clough
2/2/12

 

A local Democrat has his eyes on a different house. Jay Clough of West Richland today announced he will challenge Republican Brad Klippert for one of the 8th district seats in the Washington State House of Representatives. Up until today, Clough had all the markings of a challenger to 4th district congressman Doc Hastings. He had a campaign website and his Wikipedia entry listed him as a candidate for Congress this year. Clough is 36, a former Marine, and works in the cleanup effort at Hanford. He says his campaign will focus on jobs and education.

 

Walla Walla Clerk Shot in Robbery


2/1/12

Police are looking for two men who robbed a convenience store and wounded a clerk in Walla Walla.
     Police say masked men entered the Chevron store on Isaacs about 9:45 p.m. Tuesday and shot the clerk during the robbery.
     The bullet went through her arm and into her abdomen. She was conscious and able to talk to arriving officers before she was taken to a hospital.
     Police say she was complying with a demand to turn over the cash
when she was shot.
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