The Sheriff Under Arrest

Seattle—Charged in a grand jury indictment with the crime of wilful neglect of duty, Sheriff Robert L. Hodge of King County was placed under arrest by Coroner James C. Snyder, the only officer in the county legally empowered to arrest the sheriff. It is alleged in the indictment that Sheriff Hodge knowingly and wilfully neglected to enforce the law against the possession and operation of slot machines. Sheriff Hodge is also under indictment for refusing to remove Jailer Roberts from office when so commanded to do by the grand jury. He surrendered himself to the court upon this indictment and was released on his recognizance. Incidental to the indictment of Jailer Roberts, the Attorney-General of the state has been called upon to aid the prosecutor of King County in the conduct of the case, the first time such a situation has arisen in the history of the State of Washington. This unusual situation is explained by the statement that the official friction between the offices of the Prosecuting Attorney and Sheriff is such that a fair trial can be guaranteed Jailer Roberts only under the direction of a disinterested prosecutor.