Matney sworn in as new coroner

EPHRATA — Dave Matney was sworn in as Grant County coroner Monday.

Matney, a former Grant County Prosecutor’s Office investigator, fills the spot left vacant by Jerry Jasman. The former coroner pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct and agreed to resign as part of a plea agreement with the Washington State Attorney General’s Office.

The new coroner started in law enforcement in 1981 with the Quincy Police Department, working  as a patrol officer and crime scene investigator. He joined the Interagency Narcotics Enforcement Team during his last four months with the department.

“I joined the sheriff’s office in November 1988 and I worked there until I retired from law enforcement in 2007,” he said. “I retired as a detective in the major crimes unit. Then I went to work for the prosecutor’s office as an investigator. I’m just finishing that up now.”

When it became clear Jasman was going to resign, Matney started to think about becoming the coroner. With his background and training, he believes he is the best candidate for the job.

“I’ve worked with Jerry and I think we have a very good small county coroner’s office,” he said. “We’ve had a professional coroner’s office for a number of years. I’d like to see us continue.”

He doesn’t have any immediate plans to make changes in the office, he said, adding he does want to look at the policies. He plans to review any possible changes with Chief Deputy Lynette Henson.

“She’s very competent and professional,” he said.