A Judge’s Crusade Against County Corruption
Whitman County Judge William McDonald issues a blistering order to the prosecutor, detailing long-standing allegations of jailhouse abuse, probate perjury, and illegal spending by commissioners.
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Judge William McDonald has broken out in a new spirit. On Tuesday, he filed with the county clerk an order directing the prosecuting attorney to proceed against certain persons who are or have been public officials, for offenses alleged to have been committed while acting in an official capacity. The Judge's order details three primary charges. First, regarding former deputy jailer J. E. Nessly, whom the Judge alleges locked a feeble-minded woman in a cell with a condemned murderer, John Leonard. Despite confessions, the Judge claims the prosecution failed to act. Second, the Judge details perjury charges against Walter Ruble, a former clerk of the probate department, who allegedly falsified an affidavit regarding the widow and child of deceased J. T. Wilsey to secure funds for himself. Finally, the Judge orders an investigation into the current board of county commissioners for the potential illegal appropriation of $500 of public funds for a local fair association.
“I reluctantly direct the clerk to make an entry in the minutes of this court... that it is the duty of the court and the prosecuting attorney... to see that all persons that hold public offices should obey the law.”
Judge McDonald’s attempt to use the judicial bench to hold elected officials accountable for public spending and abuse of authority mirrors current, ongoing debates about oversight and transparency in local Whitman County government.
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