Asotin County judge takes administrative leave under shadow of criminal charges

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Asotin County Superior Court Judge Scott Gallina has taken administrative leave while his criminal case makes its way through the court system.

The 55-year-old jurist was charged last month with second-degree rape, indecent liberties, and fourth-degree assault with sexual motivation. Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson filed the criminal charges based on an investigation by the Washington State Patrol. Multiple victims and sex offenses were listed in the state’s probable cause affidavit.

Gallina was released on bond and is scheduled to be arraigned on Monday, likely in Spokane.

Meanwhile, Washington Supreme Court Chief Justice Mary Fairhurst appointed Whitman County Superior Court Judge Gary Libey as temporary presiding judge for Asotin, Columbia, and Garfield counties. Fairhurst also provided a list of judges from Adams, Benton, Franklin, and Spokane counties who are authorized to perform judicial duties in southeastern Washington. (Lewiston Tribune)

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