Grant County Sheriff’s Office report outlines allegations against Soap Lake mayor

SOAP LAKE — A Grant County Sheriff’s Office report has outlined a range of allegations involving Soap Lake Mayor Peter Sharp, including potential violations related to unlawful recording and misuse of public office, though no criminal charges have been filed as of June 17. 

According to Grant County Prosecutor Brandon Guernsey, his office is working as fast as they can to determine if charges will be filed. 

“I am hoping to have a decision within the next couple of weeks, if not sooner,” Guernsey said. “But it is a 66-page report, and I have to make sure that I have enough to move forward.” 

The report summarizes a months-long investigation requested by the Grant County Prosecutor’s Office after complaints were raised by city officials, employees and citizens. According to the document, investigators have recommended the case be reviewed for possible charges. These include RCW 9.73.030, which addresses unlawful recording without consent, and can be charged anywhere between a misdemeanor and a class C felony. Additionally, RCW 42.23.070, which governs prohibited acts by municipal officers which can be charged anywhere between a gross misdemeanor to a felony.  

“Prosecuting Attorney Brandon Guernsey, on February 26, 2026, asked Detective Sergeant Kyle Cox to examine the concerns submitted by the City of Soap Lake attorney Julie Norton, and to provide him with a report of facts,” GCSO Public Information Officer Kyle Foreman said. “After completing an unbiased investigation, Det. Sgt. Cox submitted his report to Prosecutor Guernsey on April 27, 2026.” 

The sheriff’s report describes allegations that Ring cameras and Echo devices were installed at city-owned locations – including city hall, the police department lobby and the visitor center – and used in a manner that may have recorded private conversations without consent. 

Multiple city employees told investigators they believed audio and video recordings were made and, in some cases, replayed by the mayor. 

Investigators also documented claims that recordings were shared among staff and may have influenced workplace decisions, including allegations of employee retaliation. Witness statements included accounts of demotions, loss of overtime and workplace tension following recorded conversations critical of the mayor. 

In addition to recording concerns, the report outlines allegations involving city finances and administrative practices. These include claims of unauthorized purchases, use of city accounts, and contracts entered without city council approval.  

The investigation also looked into the nearly $3,600 balance Sharp incurred in utility bills by January 2026 while overseeing staff within utility billing. According to public records, at the time, 13 other citizens had their utilities turned off for balances ranging between $1,300 and $7,500. His account was paid in full by the end of January, according to city staff.  

Another area of focus involves management of the city’s RV park, where investigators documented concerns about unpaid stays, a backdated agreement for a camp host position and potential misappropriation or gifting of public funds. 

In an interview with investigators, Sharp said he sought guidance from city legal and financial advisors when implementing camera systems and managing city operations. He disputed claims that he knowingly recorded or shared private conversations and said the systems were intended for security in public areas. 

Sharp did not respond to multiple requests for comment.  

According to the report, Sharp also described the RV park arrangement as a volunteer-based agreement and denied personally receiving payments, stating that transactions were intended to be handled through official systems. He once again stated he sought guidance from the city's lawyer and finance director before entering the agreement.  

The report notes that the Soap Lake City Council passed a resolution on March 18, 2026, declaring a vote of no confidence in Sharp, citing concerns including alleged unauthorized recordings and financial decisions. A subsequent resolution in April imposed additional controls over city funds and required preservation of records during ongoing investigations. 

Separate inquiries by the Washington State Auditor’s Office and other agencies are also underway, according to the report. 

The sheriff’s report emphasizes that the findings are investigative in nature. The case has been forwarded to the Grant County Prosecutor’s Office for review, and no charges have been filed against Sharp at this time. 

“We are looking at those potential charges. As the officer listed in the report, we look at it with fresh eyes because sometimes law enforcement sees things differently than we do,” Guernsey said. “We are looking at every possible option, as we would with any case.” 

    A ring doorbell camera is displayed outside of the Soap Lake Visitor’s Center on Feb. 2. Allegations towards Mayor Peter Sharp illegally recording using these devices have been investigated by the Grant County Sheriff’s Office. As of mid-June, no charges have been filed on the matter.