On March 31, 2022, the Asotin County Sheriff’s Office was made aware of a complaint filed by an inmate currently housed in the Asotin County Jail. The complaint was in regard to excessive use of force by Corrections Sgt. Art Musser in May of 2021.
Sheriff John Hilderbrand immediately contacted the Nez Perce County Sheriff’s Office to conduct an investigation of the alleged incident. Sgt. Musser was placed on paid administrative leave on April 5, pending the outcome of the investigation. The investigation was completed on May 19 and sent to Asotin County Prosecutor Ben Nichols. Mr. Nichols immediately forwarded the completed investigation documents to the Washington State Attorney General’s Office for review and possible charges against Sgt. Musser.
On Sept. 6 the Attorney General’s office filed charges of Assault 2 nd degree, a felony,
against Sgt. Musser in Asotin County Superior Court. The state will be represented by AssistantAttorney General Jaime V. Taft.
Sgt. Musser has now been placed on unpaid administrative leave effective Sept 8 th , 2022.
