Former Franklin Deputy’s Lawsuit Vs. Sheriff-County Dismissed

The latest event in a long-running legal tussle between a former Franklin County Deputy and Sheriff Jim Raymond and the County is over.

  Judge dismisses former Deputy's lawsuit

Former Deputy George Rapp was hired by the FCSO in 2009 and fired in 2016. He'd been hired by former Sheriff Richard Lathim, and although specifics of his termination were not revealed due to legal and privacy reasons, there were allegations he'd been disciplined numerous times for allegedly falling asleep in his patrol car and speeding to get to a location to help a fellow deputy.

He was then brought back after an arbitrator forced the county to re-hire him. He was assigned to jail monitor duty, and sued in 2019 for retaliation. (Wenatchee World).

The case was eventually referred to the Federal Courts

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  Prosecutor Sean Sant releases a statement Friday, July 29th

Franklin County Prosecutor Sean Sant released a statement that read in part:

"Rapp had brought claims for (1) wrongful termination in violation of public policy; (2) violation of the Washington Law Against Discrimination; (3) deprivation of civil rights under 42 U.S.C § 1983; (4) declaration under the Uniform Declaratory Judgments Act, RCW §7.24.020; and (5) defamation.

In response to a motion to dismiss filed by Franklin County, Rapp admitted that “[he] lacks evidence and/or legal authority to support [his own] claim[s]”.

In the dismissal order issued by the court, the judge reminded Rapp’s counsel of her ethical obligation of not bringing frivolous lawsuits.

Franklin County would like to thank Special Deputy Andrew Cooley for his outstanding work in defending the County and thus, Franklin County taxpayers, from the meritless lawsuit."

No other official statements have been released, and during this latest process, Sheriff Raymond would not discuss the case, referring any questions to Franklin County attorneys.