Judge Pleads Not Guilty to Sexual Assault

ASOTIN, Wash. (AP) – A judge in Asotin County has pleaded not guilty to charges of sexual assault and other crimes that authorities say took place in the Asotin and Columbia county courthouses between 2014 and 2019.

Asotin County Superior Court Judge Scott D. Gallina entered the pleas Monday.

KREM-TV reported that an order signed by the chief justice of the Supreme Court of Washington says Gallina will be off work until further notice.

Gallina was arrested last month at the Asotin County Courthouse on charges of second-degree rape, indecent liberties and fourth-degree assault with sexual motivation. He was released on bond the next day.

Court documents say the investigation began when multiple Asotin County courthouse staff reported that Gallina had harassed, assaulted and raped court personnel.

Trial is expected to begin Sept. 30.