EPHRATA – The Ephrata Police Department released a statement Tuesday indicating that the Central Basin Investigative Team, a joint task force made up of law enforcement agencies from around the region, is investigating the death of Richard Lambert, an inmate at the Grant County Jail.  

According to the statement, Grant County Sheriff Joey Kriete requested CBIT handle the investigation in order to avoid any potential bias within the Grant County Sheriff’s Office. The request was submitted to CBIT on Jan. 2.  

Investigators are reviewing video evidence and interviewing witnesses and being thorough, the statement said. No estimated time of completion for the case has been announced.  

EPD said that the initiation of an investigation does not imply that a crime has occurred.  

Upon completion, findings will be submitted to the Washington State Attorney General's Office for review. Weekly updates from CBIT will be provided to the media, with inquiries directed to Captain Troy Froewiss of the Ephrata Police Department.