Former undersheriff's ex-wife sues county

SPOKANE — Barbara Rockness is suing Whitman County for lack of a policy prohibiting romantic relationships between deputies and former victims of crime.

The Rosalia woman named her ex-husband and former Whitman County undersheriff Ron Rockness as a defendant in the lawsuit, seeking money for his alleged abuse.

Ron Rockness served in law enforcement for 17 years before resigning his position after being charged in Whitman County with felony assault in the second degree for alleged domestic violence against Barbara Rockness. Asotin County Prosecutor Ben Nichols is handling the case and a jury tr...