Sheriff Candidates Clash Over Leadership, Lawsuit

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  Sheriff Joey Kriete and challenger Darrik Gregg debated leadership issues“MOSES LAKE — Leadership, accountability and trust within the Grant County Sheriff's Office took center stage Sept. 10 as Sheriff Joey Kriete and challenger Darrik Gregg faced off in a debate hosted by the Grant County Republican Party.”
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  Sheriff Joey Kriete and challenger Darrik Gregg debated a deputy sheriffs' association vote of no confidence“Leadership, accountability and trust within the Grant County Sheriff's Office took center stage Sept. 10 as Sheriff Joey Kriete and challenger Darrik Gregg faced off in a debate hosted by the Grant County Republican Party.The debate at the Ephrata Recreation Center focused on several of the defining issues of the campaign, including a recent vote of no confidence by the deputy sheriffs’ association, Gregg's ongoing lawsuit against Grant County, immigration enforcement and management of the sheriff's office.”
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  Sheriff Joey Kriete and challenger Darrik Gregg debated a lawsuit“MOSES LAKE — Leadership, accountability and trust within the Grant County Sheriff's Office took center stage Sept. 10 as Sheriff Joey Kriete and challenger Darrik Gregg faced off in a debate hosted by the Grant County Republican Party.”
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  The debate occurred at a Grant County Republican Party event“MOSES LAKE — Leadership, accountability and trust within the Grant County Sheriff's Office took center stage Sept. 10 as Sheriff Joey Kriete and challenger Darrik Gregg faced off in a debate hosted by the Grant County Republican Party.”
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  The debate occurred on Sept. 10“MOSES LAKE — Leadership, accountability and trust within the Grant County Sheriff's Office took center stage Sept. 10 as Sheriff Joey Kriete and challenger Darrik Gregg faced off in a debate hosted by the Grant County Republican Party.”
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  Sheriff Joey Kriete described reassigning former chief deputy Josh Sainsbury in January as his most difficult leadership decision“"I will say the most difficult decision I had to make so far was back in January," Kriete said. "It's difficult to make a decision that has to do (with), and quite frankly contradicts, a relationship you have with somebody over 40 years."”
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  Sheriff Joey Kriete cited the need to prioritize community interests over personal relationships“As sheriff, I have to make decisions that, first and foremost, are in the best interest of the community, he said.”
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  Darrik Gregg left the sheriff's office in 2021“Gregg said his departure led him to the Moses Lake Police Department, where he now serves as a patrol sergeant.”
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  Darrik Gregg left the sheriff's office after disagreeing with leadership decisions“Gregg said his departure led him to the Moses Lake Police Department, where he now serves as a patrol sergeant.”
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  Darrik Gregg said he challenged those decisions to uphold his oath as a deputy“"It's about the integrity that you say you're going to have when you swear your oath and raise your right hand," Gregg said. "I will always stay true to that." Greggsaid his departure led him to the Moses Lake Police Department, where he now serves as a patrol sergeant.”
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  Both candidates agreed on cooperating with federal agencies on criminal investigations“Kriete said the sheriff's office works cooperatively with federal agencies, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement, when criminal investigations are involved.\n\n"If it's a criminal investigation, yes, we could and there is no reason we wouldn't assist," Kriete said.\n\nGregg said he would continue working with agencies such as ICE, the FBI and the DEA when criminal activity is involved.”
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  Both candidates agreed on criminal investigations involving immigration“Kriete said the sheriff's office works cooperatively with federal agencies, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement, when criminal investigations are involved. "If it's a criminal investigation, yes, we could and there is no reason we wouldn't assist," Kriete said. Gregg said he would continue working with agencies such as ICE, the FBI and the DEA when criminal activity is involved.”
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  The debate occurred ahead of the Nov. 5 general electionNo usable supporting receipt — unverified.
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  Both candidates emphasized their law enforcement experience“While both candidates highlighted decades of law enforcement experience and pledged to keep residents safe, they offered different views of the sheriff's office's current direction and whether significant changes are needed.”
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  Both candidates emphasized their commitment to community safety“While both candidates highlighted decades of law enforcement experience and pledged to keep residents safe, they offered different views of the sheriff's office's current direction and whether significant changes are needed.”