In 2017, Deputy Austin Hershaw was accused of engaging in sexual activity with a woman named Randi Torchesky in the back of his patrol car while on duty and in uniform in July 2016. The allegation was reported by fellow officer Cruz to Detective Patrick Rainer. Both Hershaw and Torchesky denied the incident, and the sheriff referred the investigation to the Washington State Patrol. Additionally, Cruz alleged that Hershaw retaliated against him for reporting the misconduct by influencing staff at the Basic Law Enforcement Academy to treat Cruz harshly during his training, leading to Cruz’s dismissal from the Academy and termination from the City of Republic Police Department.
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