Chelan County Commission Sides with Sheriff’s Office in Dispute with Jennifer Tyler

The Chelan County Commission sided with the Sheriff's Office saying their discipline of Jennifer Tyler was appropriate in the Step 2 grievance that was heard earlier this month.

Sheriff Brian Burnett said he thought that would be the decision noting they went through a thorough process with several departments involved.

"We're not just going at this blind and [we're] trying to make sure that employees' rights are protected. At the same, doing a proper investigation and applying it to policy."

The next step would be arbitration, which in a past disciplinary matter with Tyler resulted in getting her job back, but with a short suspension.

Tyler says she also expected this decision, citing past precedent in the Commission not going against an elected official.

"It's very disheartening to hear the decision, but I expect moving forward through arbitration another arbitration win and then it's just sad to say we start that process over again. I had hoped to avoid that and just go back to work."

Tyler says she believes she was unlawfully terminated and will go through arbitration and also plans to file a civil suit.