Renton Police Investigating Urquhart For Sex Assault: Report

RENTON, WA - The Seattle Times reported Wednesday that a former deputy has filed a sex assault complaint against King County Sheriff John Urquhart with Renton police. The complaint was made by former deputy Brian Barnes, who alleges Urquhart made unwanted sexual advances on him in 2014, according to the Times.

Barnes' complaint follows a restraining order issued against Urquhart on Monday. A former deputy asked for that order claiming Urquhart offered to share her medical records with an organization that was considering endorsing Urquhart's reelection. The former deputy claims Urquhart raped her in 2002. A 2017 Seattle police investigation did not find evidence that the rape occurred; King County Prosecutor Dan Satterberg has also said that the crime is 10 years past the statute of limitations.

Urquhart has denied both Barnes' claims and the 2002 rape claim.

The Stranger reported Wednesday that the King County Ombudsman has launched an investigation into Urquhart. That investigation is over whether the sheriff shared Barnes' un-redacted personnel file with local reporters.

Barnes made a similar complaint while working as an officer in Webster, Mass. In 2007, the town of Webster paid Barnes $40,063.32 to settle a claim that "the town violated his privacy and intentionally caused emotional stress by showing his medical and psychological records to a private investigator and a town employee," according to the Worcester Telegram and Gazette.

While working as a sheriff's deputy, Barnes was a well-liked "storefront" deputy in the Skyway area between Renton and Seattle.

Urquhart was first elected sheriff in 2012 and assumed office in 2013. He is up for reelection this year under a challenge by King County Maj. Mitzi Johanknecht.

Image via Susan Walsh/Associated Press