Pierce County Sheriff Faces Legal Turmoil Amid Lawyer Dispute

News Summary

Pierce County Sheriff Keith Swank is entangled in legal conflicts after his lawyer, Joan Mell, demanded mediation with county officials over his cooperation with ICE. The situation escalated with a court ruling that temporarily barred Mell from advising Swank, raising concerns about administrative integrity and public safety. The conflict continues to expose deeper issues within Pierce County’s governance.

Pierce County Sheriff Keith Swank Faces Legal Turmoil

Pierce County Sheriff Keith Swank has found himself embroiled in a complex web of legal and administrative conflicts that reached a crescendo in late May. On May 28, a court hearing marked a significant moment in a dispute over his cooperation with federal immigration authorities, leading to a temporary restraining order against his attorney, Joan Mell.

The Mediation Demand Origins

The trouble began when Mell, acting as Swank’s legal counsel, issued a demand for mediation to three county officials concerning the sheriff’s collaborative stance with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This mediation was formally requested on May 23, just days before the court proceedings unfolded. The demand included a range of disputes from administration independence to personnel issues within the Sheriff’s Office.

Prosecutor’s Challenge

In a dramatic twist, Pierce County Prosecutor Mary Robnett sought a superior court judgment aimed at prohibiting Mell from dispensing any legal advice to Swank or other officials. Robnett argued that this role falls squarely under the jurisdiction of the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, claiming Mell unlawfully operated in this capacity. The prosecutor’s claims hinged on her contention that Mell’s legal guidance could unduly expose the county to significant financial liabilities.

Legal Implications and Liability Concerns

Robnett asserted that Swank’s potential cooperation with ICE violated Washington’s Keep Washington Working Act, a law designed to restrict local law enforcement from assisting federal immigration actions. This law aims to protect undocumented individuals from being targeted by local law enforcement, a concern raised vividly in past lawsuits, such as the one against Adams County that faced state Attorney General scrutiny for similar issues.

The Court’s Ruling

On May 28, the legal conflict escalated when Superior Court Judge Susan Adams granted Robnett a temporary restraining order. This order effectively barred Mell from acting on behalf of Swank, with the judge noting that Mell was making legal demands without proper authorization. The hearing itself raised eyebrows when Mell was reportedly out-of-state and claimed she had not been properly notified about the proceedings. Notably, she sought the chance to dispute the jurisdiction of the case due to potential bias from a Pierce County judge.

Internal Strife Amplified

The rift between Swank and Robnett intensified following County Executive Ryan Mello’s issuance of an executive order that mandated a comprehensive review of federal funding contracts across county departments. Swank expressed criticisms regarding Robnett’s assumed authority on this matter, accusing her of either incompetence or deliberate efforts to undermine his office. The tensions reflect broader systemic challenges within Pierce County’s governmental structure.

Swank’s Controversial Stance

Amidst the legal battles, Swank has publicly criticized both Robnett and Mello, claiming they fail to advocate adequately for compensation, a key issue as staffing levels within the Sheriff’s Office continue to dwindle. At present, the department is short by 21 deputies, and Swank aims to restore full staffing by year-end. The sheriff has described rising concerns over violent crimes, particularly those involving children, leading him to plan targeted patrols in areas with heightened crime rates.

Political and Social Fallout

Swank’s actions and statements extend beyond administrative conflicts as he has recently criticized the Washington State Patrol for issuing an apology regarding an incident linked to a Pride flag-raising ceremony. His statements regarding this incident, alongside past controversial remarks about the LGBTQ community, paint a picture of a sheriff unafraid to engage in heated public debates.

A Community in Turmoil

The ongoing struggles within Pierce County’s law enforcement and governmental structure have left the community rife with concerns about safety, administration integrity, and legal compliance. As Sheriff Swank navigates the fallout from these conflicts, the community watches closely, grappling with the implications these disputes may have on public safety and governance.