Exec. Aaron Reardon investigation sent to prosecutor

The Washington State Patrol has finished its criminal
investigation of Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon
and has sent it off to the prosecutor.

The State Patrol won’t release details of the Reardon
probe
and says it won’t make any recommendation either for or
against any specific criminal charge. Investigators want
to
be clear that the lack of recommendations should not be
interpreted that they’ve suggested against filing charges.

Reardon is under investigation for allegedly misusing
public
money, stemming from accusations he illegally used county
funds for travel and other expenses stemming from an
extra-
marital affair.

Tamara Dutton says she had the six-year affair with
Reardon and estimates he spent at least $1,500 of taxpayer
money on her when she accompanied him on official trips.

Records from the Washington State Patrol investigation
showed Reardon also scheduled more than 100 hours with his
campaign fundraiser during times his public schedule
listed he was in county staff meetings dealing with county
business.

The case was referred to Island County to avoid a conflict
of interest. Island County Prosecutor Greg Banks is
expected to take several weeks before making any decisions
on possible charges.