Turner, John: Alleged Violation of RCW 42.17A.555 for using public office for the purpose of assisting a campaign for election. (MAY 2018)

Case

#35736

Respondent

John Turner

Complainant

Maria Duncan

Description

A complaint was filed against John Turner, an incumbent Walla Walla County Sheriff in 2018 who did not seek re-election to office, alleging he may have violated RCW 42.17A.555 by using Walla Walla Sheriff County facilities to support Mark Crider, as his replacement as a 2018 candidate for Walla Walla County Sheriff.

Mr. Turner stated that he did not use any Walla Walla County Sheriff’s Office resources or facilities to draft or produce the letter referenced in the complaint, including the use of his Sheriff’s Office computer, equipment, letterhead, stationary or postage.  He stated: “The letter in question was drafted on my personal computer using a letterhead which I created on a personal word document and then saved in a personally owned PDF software format...the letterhead I created uses the words “Office of the Sheriff,” uses other factual information, and uses the badge which I personally designed. I understand how a member of the public may think that this letter was drafted at work on a public computer, however this was not the case. As to working hours: this letter was drafted on my own time, not at work, and not at a public facility.”

Mr. Turner stated a copy of the letter was posted on the official Walla Walla County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page saying good-bye to him since he had recently announced that he was not seeking re-election to a third term as Sheriff. The Facebook post went on to thank him for his eight years of service, and included a copy of the letter that he sent electronically urging support for Mark Crider as his replacement.  He stated the letter that was posted "was done without my knowledge by someone other than myself.  Once this complaint and issue was brought to my attention by the PDC, I immediately directed that the post and all related attachments and comments be removed."

Since Sheriff Turner had no prior PDC violations, took immediate corrective action to remove the prohibited posting of the letter endorsing undersheriff Crider, and is no longer in office, PDC staff determined that in this instance, the facts do not warrant further investigation or enforcement action.  While Sheriff Turner is no longer in office, PDC staff is reminding him in the letter about the prohibitions against using the facilities of a public agency to support or oppose a candidate or ballot proposition, should he become a public employee again in the future.

Based on this information, the PDC has dismissed the complaint in accordance with RCW 42.17A.755(1).  

Disposition

Case Closed with Reminder

Date Opened

May 22, 2018

Areas of Law

RCW 42.17A.555

Documents

• 35736 Turner John Complaint.pdf
• 35736 Turner John Response.pdf
• Turner John Complaint Return with Reminder Cover Letter (Duncan) PDC Case 35736.pdf