Washington judge arrested in sexual misconduct investigation

ASOTIN, Wash. — The Washington State Patrol says a 55-year-old judge in southeastern Washington has been arrested in connection with sexual misconduct.

Superior Court Judge Scott D. Gallina was arrested Wednesday in Asotin County following a civil hearing.

The Lewiston Tribune reports State Patrol investigators began interviewing alleged victims on Monday. The newspaper says complaints about sexual harassment and assaults were reported to Asotin County officials several weeks ago and their sheriff's office requested that the State Patrol investigate. No further details have been provided.

State Patrol Lt. Randy Hullinger urged anyone with information about the case to contact him.

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee appointed Gallina to the Superior Court bench in Asotin, Garfield and Columbia counties in 2014 when Judge William D. Acey retired. Gallina was elected for another four-year term in 2016.

It wasn't known if Gallina had obtained a lawyer to speak for him.