Renton police investigating sheriff for alleged sex assault

Police in the Seattle suburb of Renton are conducting a criminal investigation into the King County Sheriff over a former deputy’s accusation that the sheriff sexually assaulted him in 2014.

News outlets reported Wednesday that Renton Police said their findings will be forwarded to county prosecutors in the coming days.

The investigation of Sheriff John Urquhart began in September after Brian Barnes filed a complaint with the King County Sheriff’s Office alleging Urquhart groped him outside a Renton restaurant after the two had dinner together.

Barnes is now a police officer in Massachusetts.

Urquhart denies Barnes’ allegations, calling them “despicable” and politically motivated lies.

On Monday, a judge separately issued a temporary restraining order against Urquhart filed by a female ex-deputy who accused him of raping her in 2002.

Urquhart has denied that allegation, and Seattle police cleared him of criminal charges this year.