Hohenberg, Ken

Hohenberg, Ken (City of Kennewick Police Chief): Alleged violation of RCW 42.17A.555 by using city facilities to support a ballot proposition.

Case Details

Case Number

16059

Respondent

Hohenberg, Ken

Complainant

Radphord-Leon Howard

Date Opened

March 30, 2017

Case Status

Violation Found by Commission

Commission or presiding officer heard case and found violation.

Learn More

Area(s) of Law*

  • RCW 29B.45.010/42.17A.555

*On January 1, 2026, RCW 42.17A was recodified to RCW 29B

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Description

PDC staff alleges that Ken Hohenberg, City of Kennewick Police Chief, violated RCW 42.17A.555 by using City of Kennewick facilities by appearing in his City of Kennewick Police Chief uniform at a May 13, 2014 press conference in support of an August 5, 2014,  local Benton County Law and Justice ballot measure, and driving to the press conference in his official City of Kennewick Police Department vehicle. 

An enforcement hearing before the Full Commission has been scheduled for May 25, 2017.  At the hearing, the Commission accepted the signed Stipulation and assessed a $750 civil penalty, of which $500 is suspended on the the conditions that Chief Hohenberg pays the $250 non-suspended portion of the penalty within 30 days of receiving this Order, and commits no further violations of RCW 42.17A or WAC 390 for four years from the date of the Order. 

Penalties

$750

Total Penalties

$0

Balance Due

Penalty

$750 (Paid )

Suspended

$500

Payments

  • $250 on 06/20/2017