Spokane County Sheriff's Sergeant faces charges of assault and falsifying a police report in connection with a violent arrest in 2023

Spokane County Sheriff's Sergeant Clay Hilton is facing charges of assault and falsifying a police report for violently arresting a 63-year-old man last summer.

The decision to file charges came more than a year after Hilton arrested Kevin Hinton in Terrace View Park. The man suffered eight broken ribs, a punctured lung, a concussion and a disfigured lip. A Spokane Police investigation determined that the incident was at most a civil violation: he had been in a Spokane Valley park after dark.

Yakima County Attorney Joe Brusic said in an email Monday afternoon that his office is recommending a charge of second-degree assault with the aggravating circumstances of blatant lack of remorse and perjury.

A judge found sufficient suspicion on Friday and the indictment is expected to be filed on Monday or Tuesday, Brusic said.

Brusic said Hilton will likely go to trial on the charges in late September. Brusic's office was asked by Spokane County District Attorney Larry Haskell to make the charging decision to avoid conflicts of interest.

The Spokane County Sheriff's Office was unaware of the allegations until they were brought to its attention by the media, a statement said.

“With this new information, the Spokane County Sheriff's Office is completing its internal investigation into this incident,” the statement said. “We will provide an update once the internal investigation is complete, while ensuring compliance with Washington State labor law and all employment contract processes.”

Sheriff John Nowels thanked Brusic's office and the Spokane Police Department for their work on the case.

Last week, Hinton filed suit in federal court against the Spokane County Sheriff's Office and Sergeant, as well as other agencies.

“I couldn't believe it. I was just stunned by the whole incident,” Hinton said, reflecting on his arrest. “I obviously couldn't breathe. I just couldn't comprehend that all of this had just happened.”

Hinton said he has lived in fear of the sergeant for the past year, who has taken paid administrative leave from the sheriff's office.

Hilton could face up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $20,000 for second-degree assault, a Class B felony. Perjury is a serious misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.