Tri-Cities judge refuses to step down in light of allegations. Harassment investigation complete
A Tri-Cities Superior Court judge is refusing to step down amid abuse allegations by his ex-wife and an anti-harassment order obtained by his former girlfriend.
On Friday, the Benton County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that their investigation into the harassment complaint was finished and sent to prosecutors to review. No decision has been released on the issue.
Thursday, Benton-Franklin Superior Court Judge Sam Swanberg issued a statement to the Tri-City Herald and other news media through his attorney, Scott Johnson, continuing to dispute claims made by his former spouse, Stephanie Barnard. The two divorced in April 2021.
Swanberg’s statement was a response to an opinion piece this week by the Herald’s Editorial Board calling on Swanberg, 55, to step down because his behavior toward ex-girlfriend Sila Salas has cast doubts about his judgment and shattered his credibility. The Editorial Board is not involved in news reporting.
Read more at: https://www.tri-cityherald.com/news/local/article257308407.html
