Sept. 26--ASOTIN -- The Asotin County Jail commander was placed on paid administrative leave Tuesday pending an investigation into allegations he threatened to kill Asotin County Prosecutor Ben Nichols.
Capt. Jon Singleton's conduct and reported threats will be investigated by the Washington State Patrol, said Asotin Police Chief Bill Derbonne.
Derbonne contacted state law enforcement officers Tuesday after receiving several reports from people saying Singleton became irate Monday while at the Asotin County Courthouse and allegedly threatened to kill the prosecutor.
The Asotin police chief said the sheriff's office was not conducting an internal investigation into the reports, so he notified the state patrol and asked them to assist in the matter.
Singleton had what was described as a meltdown and allegedly referred to the prosecutor in derogatory terms, witnesses said in written statements submitted to investigators. It appeared the jail commander was upset about the scheduling for inmates to appear in court, either in person or via a video link in the courtroom.
The alleged threats were made in the Superior Court, prosecutor's office and Sheriff's office, Derbonne said. Singleton was allegedly yelling he doesn't have enough staff and appeared to be in a rage, according to a witness statement. He did not have any direct contact with Nichols.
Attempts to reach Singleton were not successful Tuesday night.
Asotin County Sheriff Ken Bancroft confirmed the jail commander has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an investigation.
Sandaine may be contacted at [email protected] or (208) 848-2264. You can follow her on Twitter @newsfromkerri.
Copyright 2012 - Lewiston Tribune, Idaho
