Grant County coroner pleads guilty

EPHRATA — Grant County Coroner Jerry D. Jasman pleaded guilty to holding an employee in his truck while he sped down Wheeler Road in June.

In a deal arranged between the Washington State Attorney General’s Office and Jasman’s defense attorney, he pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct, a misdemeanor.

Jasman trapped Chief Deputy Coroner Lynette Henson in his truck, while he drove down Wheeler Road, according to the Grant County sheriff’s report.

An argument started between the two of them, he became angry and started yelling at her while driving between 65 and 70 mph. She pleaded several times for Jasman to pull over, but he didn’t.

He drove to his home in Ephrata, refusing to let her out. After arriving, he got out of the truck, leaving her to drive herself home.

Assistant Attorney General Melanie Tratnik explained the state plans to recommend one day of jail time, and Jasman is going to be required to resign from his position, adding sentencing is going to be delayed to give the Grant County Republicans a chance to find a replacement.

“I do believe what was charged was appropriately charged, but I also feel there are legitimate proof problems for both sides when assessing their risks,” Tratnik said. “Another consideration is this is not your average defendant. He is going to suffer the consequence of losing public office and not being able to run again.”

Defense attorney Garth Dano said the disorderly conduct charge fit the facts of the case better than the original felony charge of unlawful imprisonment.

Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 7.