Private attorneys to investigate claims of Snohomish County Executive’s aid

The expensive in-fighting in Snohomish County continues as a whistle-blower complaint from a county employee who is himself the target of an investigation.

County Executive Aaron Reardon already announced he will step down after allegations came to light about a couple of his aids filing a long list of anonymous records requests that appeared to target other government workers.

Now one of those aids, Kevin Hulten, is alleging phone and email records will prove county prosecutors and others have been trying to undermine his boss.

The Herald reports a private attorney has been hired to investigate his complaint to the tune of $250 an hour. Hulten is on administrative leave while detectives investigate whether he should face criminal charges.