Pullman Police Chief Jake Opgenorth is facing serious accusations of domestic violence and sexual assault. A woman, who says she was in a relationship with Opgenorth, filed for a protective order against him on December 20 in Whitman County Superior Court. The woman, who had previously worked with Opgenorth on the Pullman Police Advisory Committee, claimed in her petition that the abuse took place during their relationship.
Court documents reveal that the woman requested a domestic violence protection order and added “sexual assault” to the list of concerns. While the two were reportedly in a relationship, they never lived together. For now, most details about the case are sealed, but the court has ordered Opgenorth to hand over both his personal and department-issued firearms.
The Pullman Police Department has placed Opgenorth on administrative leave while the matter is investigated. Commander Aaron Breshears, who is handling the department’s response, directed all inquiries to a law firm managing communications about Opgenorth’s status. However, multiple attempts to contact the firm have gone unanswered.
Washington State Patrol has also been asked to investigate the case by the Whitman County Sheriff’s Office. Chris Loftis, the communications director for the state patrol, confirmed the agency’s involvement but declined to comment further.
Jake Opgenorth has been with the Pullman Police Department for decades, starting his career in 1992. He became the city’s police chief in 2022. Pullman Mayor Francis Benjamin declined to comment on the situation, leaving many in the community waiting for more information.
The allegations have stirred significant attention in Pullman, a city located in eastern Washington, as residents grapple with the gravity of the claims against a figure who has long been a part of their law enforcement community.
