Recall Effort Gains Traction Against Yakima County Coroner

The effort to recall Yakima County Coroner Jim Curtice took a significant step forward on Thursday when a local judge agreed to review the formal recall request, paving the way for potential signature gathering in the coming weeks.

THE RECALL EFFORT IS UNDERWAY AFTER SERIOUS ALLEGATIONS

The judge’s decision comes on the heels of serious allegations against Curtice, which have sparked public outrage and prompted three local residents to take action.
Yakima County Commissioner Amanda McKinney confirmed that the judge will examine the submitted documents to determine whether the recall can proceed.

THE RECALL EFFORT IS LEAD BY THREE YAKIMA RESIDENTS

The paperwork, which was filed with the Auditor's Office last week by three Republican precinct committee officers-Roy Dove, Kenton Gartrell, and Stephan Edwards-calls for an official vote on Curtice's position amidst allegations of misconduct.
The controversy surrounding Curtice began late last year when Yakima Police launched an investigation into claims that he had stolen and used drugs from the bodies of overdose victims.

POLICE SAY CURTICE LIED TO INVESTIGATORS

When questioned, Curtice alleged he may have been poisoned at work with fentanyl and cocaine, potentially by his own staff. However, he later admitted to taking the drugs for personal use. Meanwhile the Ellensburg Prosecutor's Office is currently reviewing the case to determine if charges such as evidence tampering, making false statements, and official misconduct should be filed, though no charges have yet been made public.

A YAKIMA ATTORNEY IS HELPING LEAD THE EFFORT

Yakima Attorney Zachary Stambaugh, representing the recall effort says he believes the effort will be successful. If the judge grants approval for the recall process, proponents will start gathering signatures to potentially place the recall on a future ballot, giving voters a chance to weigh in.

CURTICE HAS HIRED AN ATTORNEY

Commissioner McKinney indicated that local officials have been informed that Curtice is being represented by a local attorney, although she and other county officials remain hopeful that he will resign before the recall effort advances further. As the situation unfolds, the Yakima community watches closely, aware that the outcome could have lasting implications for the county’s governance and the role of the coroner’s office. The next steps hinge on the judge’s decision regarding the recall paperwork, which, if approved, would set off a signature collection campaign aimed at holding Curtice accountable.
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