September 2024

Connell,WA / 2024 / September

State Senator Mark Schoesler DUI plea

SUMMARY

Washington State Senator Mark Schoesler was recently arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) following an event at the Ritzville Rodeo on August 31, 2024. The 67-year-old senator, who represents the 9th Legislative District, was found to have a blood alcohol level of 0.14, well above the state's legal limit of 0.08. According to reports, Schoesler was seen walking unsteadily after the rodeo, prompting a witness to report a possible drunk driver. He later allegedly backed his vehicle into two others before being stopped by law enforcement.

The senator cooperated fully with the authorities during the incident, but after failing a field sobriety test and several breathalyzer tests, he was arrested by citation. Since the local jail was closed, Schoesler was released to a family member and will face a court summons in Adams County. This arrest has drawn attention given Schoesler's long tenure in Washington politics, where he has served in both the House and Senate, including a role as Senate Republican leader for eight years.

The arrest marked one of the few major incidents at the Wheat Land Communities Fair and has led to scrutiny of Schoesler’s actions, though his full legal consequences will be determined in the upcoming court hearings.

Sources: Whitman County Gazette, Franklin Connection

Summary provided as an archive of the information in the case that the original article is unavailable.

FRANKLIN CONNECTION

RITZVILLE – The 9th Legislative District senator pleaded not guilty Thursday, Sept. 12, on a charge of driving while under the influence of alcohol. But Adams County District Court Judge Andrea K. Russell determined there was probable cause for the charge against 67-year-old Sen. Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville. She schedule him to appear before her again Oct. 8 in the 210 W. Broadway Ave. courthouse...

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The Franklin Connection is an online news and sports site dedicated to Franklin County, Washington, and the surrounding communities. The publication offers news, marketing, advertising and online services to the residents of Pasco, Basin City, Mesa, Eltopia, Connell, Kahlotus and Burbank.

Franklin Connection / News - 09/27/2024

Franklin County Auditor cleared of allegations

SUMMARY

Franklin County Auditor Matt Beaton Cleared in Investigation Alleging Wrongdoing

Franklin County Auditor Matt Beaton has been officially cleared of any misconduct following an investigation that many have called politically motivated. The probe, led by Snohomish County Special Prosecutor Elise Deschenes, was initiated after Beaton raised concerns over a $12,500 payment made to a management company overseeing the HAPO Center in Pasco. The payment, pushed through by former county administrator Mike Gonzalez, bypassed normal county procedures, prompting Beaton and other officials to withhold it for further scrutiny.

Gonzalez, who resigned shortly after to take a position in Sunnyside, filed a formal complaint against Beaton and others, claiming misuse of power. The timing of the complaint — coinciding with local election filings — led some to speculate that the investigation was designed to undermine Beaton’s credibility.

After a thorough review, the special prosecutor found no legal violations in Beaton’s actions. Beaton has maintained that the complaint was rooted in false claims and political maneuvering. His attorney, Scott Johnson, described the case as a "baseless effort to discredit a public servant committed to upholding transparency."

Beaton, who has served as Franklin County Auditor since 2011, reiterated his commitment to protecting taxpayer dollars and holding officials accountable for responsible fiscal management. The case may have closed in Beaton’s favor, but it shines a light on the increasingly political nature of local government affairs in Franklin County.

Summary provided as an archive of the information in the case that the original article is unavailable.

FRANKLIN CONNECTION

PASCO - Franklin County Auditor Matt Beaton has been cleared of any wrongdoing following a "politically motivated investigation." Attorney Scott W. Johnson of Johnson & Orr in Richland confirmed in a press release Sept. 6 that Snohomish County Special Prosecutor Elise Deschenes rendered an independent decision finding no violation of the law. Records show the investigation was...