The Washington State Patrol has completed its criminal investigation into alleged misconduct by Lewis County Sheriff Steve Mansfield in July.
The patrol’s report was forwarded to the Washington State Attorney General’s Office, where officials will decide whether to press charges against Mansfield after he allegedly harbored a minor, the mother of his son’s baby, in his home.
That report won’t be publicly available until the office has made its decision on charges, and more investigation may be needed, Washington State Patrol Spokesman Bob Calkins told The Chronicle on Friday.
The Lewis County Deputies Guild aired concerns in June that Mansfield allegedly hid the girl in his home, despite his own deputies’ requests that she be taken to her parents who had filed a runaway report.
Mansfield maintains that he and his office behaved appropriately and that no misconduct occurred.
He also stated in August that he will start an administrative investigation following the scrutiny against him, to find out “what has happened and ensure that this doesn’t happen again.”
As part of Mansfield’s post-investigation, Chief Criminal Deputy Gene Seiber said he would look into who leaked original police reports to reporters while they were barred during the state patrol’s investigation.
“What we’re trying to figure out is, why is this in The Chronicle’s hands?” Seiber said in August. He didn’t say whether the office would take action against the person or persons if they’re found.
The state attorney general’s office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Andy Campbell: (360) 807-8208
Rusty Nale
This "non" story of "he said, she said, they said" is truly silly, not to mention, rather sad. Steve Mansfield is really one of the best Sheriff's we have ever had. He cares about Lewis County and he cares about the people who live here. Whomever it was that made certain that the Chronicle was given information that was, at the time, "classified" should be called to task. Mansfield is doing the job he was elected to do....and doing it well. He has more than earned the right to be re-elected and he has more than earned the respect his position deserves.
cdc
Cinebarbarian (cute handle, btw) - You are right, no criminal laws, but likely administrative ones were broken. "into who leaked original police reports to reporters while they were barred during the state patrol’s investigation."Leaking the information before it is released from the State Patrol is to what I was referring. Why the rush to get the info out? Does someone believe that the so-called corruption runs not only in the local Sheriff's Office, but also in the State Patrol? In which case, I would have to surmise that those looking for graft and corruption see only their own shadows, dancing at them in dark alleys.
Mommyof1
you have got to be kidding me "Sam Spade" our sheriff has been the best we've had in a LONG time! what you dont understand is there is nothing to hide our sheriff has done nothing wrong. its pretty bad when even the "harbored minor" even says steve didnt hide her. she left her parents because they are nuts! No one is covering anything up and thats for sure. if you dont like our sheriff get out of lewis county
cdc
I think it is entirely appropriate for the Sheriff to find out who, in his office, is so intent on stirring the shite that he or she broke the law to provide the informatoin to the papers. By doing so, that person show that he or she should not be in law enforcement, but might be better as a gossip writer for the paper itself.
Sam Spade PI
I think it is time for the Attorney General's office to investigate why the Sheriff's office is so afraid of the Chronicle.What is the sheriff concealing from the public? Maybe before the next election, we need to find a qualified candidate for the sheriff's office who will advocate keeping his files open to the Chronicle reporters.There needs to be a change of culture within the legal system in the County, beginning with the sheriff and including the prosecutor. There needs to be a culture of openness, not a culture of coverup and silence.