YAKIMA COUNTY, Wash. – Law enforcement leaders in Yakima County released a joint statement Thursday, pushing for Coroner Jim Curtice to resign from his position immediately.
Curtice currently faces charges of making false statements to a public servant, tampering with physical evidence and official misconduct following an investigation into whether he had taken illegal drugs from deceased bodies and using them at work. He pleaded not guilty during his Jan. 31 arraignment.
The statement reads:
We are empathetic to those who struggle with drug and alcohol addiction, and we have seen how it impacts our communities. We support programs that help people recover from this terrible disease and believe in redemption when they recover and become productive members of society again.
However, Jim Curtice is an elected official and the head of an agency that works closely with law enforcement. He is responsible for a vital part of the successful prosecution of death investigations in Yakima County. His behavior has violated public trust and compromised his office and his ability to be an effective leader working with law enforcement again.
Even though we are empathetic to Coroner Curtice’s struggles and sincerely hope he can have a lasting recovery, some lines can’t be crossed, and specific behaviors cannot be tolerated. Coroner Curtice’s well-documented behavior has forced the remaining staff at the Coroner’s office to work unsustainable hours, which could jeopardize cases. His resignation will allow the current Coroner’s office employees to heal and return to full staffing.
Therefore, we urge Coroner Jim Curtice to do the honorable thing and resign from his position immediately.
The statement was signed off by several law enforcement executives, including Yakima Police Chief Shawn Boyle, Sunnyside Police Chief Rob Layman and Selah Police Chief Justin Soptich.
An effort to get a recall vote on the August 2025 primary ballot is already in full swing, with organizers setting up signing locations across the county.
Curtice’s term ends in 2026. He has been on self-imposed paid administrative leave since September 2024.
