RITZVILLE, Wash. — Jared Potts, former clerk-treasurer and fire chief for the town of Hatton, turned himself in on June 6 amid investigations into the misappropriation of town funds and theft of town equipment.
Potts faces charges including first-degree theft, first-degree possession of stolen property, and seven counts of mail theft. Adams County Sheriff Dale Wagner revealed that a search warrant executed at Potts’ residence uncovered town equipment, including a defibrillator, which Potts had allegedly kept despite agreeing to return it.
Concerns about Potts’ conduct first arose in 2023, prompted by complaints from both the sheriff’s office and town residents. Potts ended his employment with Hatton in October 2024.
An audit by the Washington State Auditor’s Office found Potts misappropriated approximately $72,200 between December 2022 and November 2024. Additionally, the audit highlighted $144,604 in questionable payments from October 2022 through September 2024.
Potts was the only part-time town employee with access to a town credit card, which auditors say was used for $15,055 in purchases lacking proper business documentation. He also received about $36,000 in salary payments exceeding his approved hours, along with unpaid cash advances.
As the town’s volunteer fire chief, Potts applied for and received firefighting equipment, including fire trucks and water tenders. A fire truck was returned in September 2024, but a defibrillator was found at Potts’ home during the search.
Despite promising auditors documentation for the questionable transactions in August 2024, Potts never provided it. After resigning, he still had access to town bank accounts and made unauthorized payments totaling approximately $3,600 in late 2024.
The Adams County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the case.
