Asotin County jail commander pleads not guilty

ASOTIN, WA – A not guilty plea was entered today for Asotin County Jail Commander Jon Singleton on one count of harassment. The charge stems from an incident on Sept. 24 at the courthouse where he allegedly threatened to kill Prosecutor Ben Nichols.

Singleton was not represented by an attorney while the state was represented by Assistant Attorney General John Hillman. Singleton told the court that he could not afford an attorney.

The charge carries a maximum sentence of 364 days in jail and a $5000 fine.

According to witness reports, Singleton was allegedly agitated and made threats toward Nichols in three locations within the courthouse – the prosecutor’s office, Superior Courtroom, and the sheriff’s office. Nichols was not present during the alleged threats and Singleton has not been arrested at any time. He remains on paid administrative leave.

Information provided by Mia Carlson of KZGB.