Benton County Prosecutor

Elected Experience
Benton County Prosecuting Attorney, 2023-Present.

Other Professional Experience
An experienced trial attorney with over 22 years of litigation experience, I have prosecuted thousands of cases, including homicides, drug offenses, and violent crimes. I was a senior partner at the Richland law firm Walker Heye (2010-2022) and a prosecutor for the City of Kennewick (2006-2010).  I was president of the Benton Franklin Counties Bar Association (2016-2017).  I serve on the board of directors of the Washington Association of Prosecuting Attorneys.

Education
University of Idaho College of Law, (J.D. 2003), Washington State University, (B.A., 1999).

Community Service

Volunteer, New Vintage Church, Richland.  Pro Bono Attorney, You Medical, Kennewick.

Statement
Our nation was built on liberty, equality, and justice — and those principles only survive when leaders have the courage to defend them. As your Benton County Prosecuting Attorney, I have held offenders accountable, secured justice for victims, strengthened partnerships with law enforcement, and implemented tougher standards for violent crime to keep our community safe.

Olympia continues to push policies that put criminals ahead of victims, weaken accountability, and tie the hands of law enforcement. We’ve all seen what happens when public safety is treated as an afterthought: businesses flee, families feel unsafe, and communities decline. That is not who we are, and I will not allow Benton County to become the next failed experiment in soft-on-crime policies.

I will enforce the law according to our values, not Olympia’s agenda, by seeking appropriate bail and punishment, standing with victims, supporting law enforcement, and protecting your constitutional rights. I am endorsed by the Benton County Republican Party and Sheriff Mike Clark.  I have a great working relationship with law enforcement.  I love this county, I believe in its future, and I will continue fighting every day to keep it safe, strong, and free.

I respectfully ask for your vote. www.ericforprosecutor.com

Elected Experience
None

Other Professional Experience
I am an experienced trial Prosecutor. For 28 years, I have successfully prosecuted thousands of cases including aggravated first-degree murder, rape, arson, and drug trafficking. I also argued cases before the Court of Appeals and Washington State Supreme Court. I battled the war on drugs and gangs alongside the Tri-City Metro Drug Task Force, Kennewick Criminal Apprehension Team, and the Richland and Pasco Street Crimes Units.   

Education
Bachelor of Arts, Law and Justice, Central Washington University, and Juris Doctor, Loyola University School of Law

Community Service
Volunteer at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, St. Joseph’s Catholic School, and Tri-Cities Prep Catholic High School 

Statement
Benton County citizens deserve a Prosecutor armed with the experience and knowledge to uphold the Constitution and ensure justice is served. I have a proven record of asking for high bail and not plea bargaining with violent criminals. I aggressively prosecute drug trafficking and gang-related crimes to ensure a safe community. I will go to trial against those who falsely claim insanity to avoid responsibility. As the daughter of a Marine, I value our therapeutic and Veteran courts and support appropriate candidates for these programs. I will prioritize the office’s backlog of over 500 cases awaiting charging decisions so the victims finally have their day in court.   

I’m proud to work alongside our partners in law enforcement. I am trusted and endorsed by representatives of every division of the criminal justice system including retired Judge Carrie Runge; retired KPD Commanders Aaron Clem, BJ Moos, and Craig Littrell; retired RPD Command Staff Darryl Judge and Mike Cobb and Detectives Luke Flohr and Bob Benson; retired WRPD Chief Ben Majetich; BCSO Detectives Jordan Croskrey and Alejandro Betancourth and retired Sheriffs Larry Taylor and Steve Keane.      

I respectfully ask for your vote and would be honored to serve as your next Prosecuting Attorney.