MOSES LAKE — The Grant County Republican Party hosted a packed candidate forum Thursday night featuring Sheriff Joey Kriete and challengers Darrick Gregg and Josh Sainsbury, offering voters a detailed look at the candidates’ priorities on leadership, crime, jail capacity and accountability. 

Moderator Victor Lombardi guided the discussion through a series of structured questions, with candidates responding in turn. 

Each candidate began by outlining their background, leadership approach and any past violations. 

Sainsbury emphasized his long tenure with the sheriff’s office, noting 25 years of law enforcement experience and a focus on morale, training and community engagement. 

“I was reassigned from chief deputy to sergeant,” Sainsbury said. “That experience reinforced my belief that leadership should encourage open communication, professionalism and respect. One of my top priorities is strengthening employees.” 

Kriete, the incumbent, pointed to measurable achievements, including hiring more than 70 employees and improving staffing levels. 

“Today, we've hired more than 70 employees, and over 50% of our hires have been experienced laterals from other agencies,” Kriete said. “Experienced law enforcement professionals are choosing Grant County. They're choosing our mission and our culture.” 

Gregg highlighted his experience across multiple agencies and stressed accountability, including acknowledging a past on-duty collision. 

“I was typing on my laptop, driving, which we all know is not safe,” Gregg said. “I learned a lot and got 40 hours off without pay. If we’re going to hold the community accountable, I’m going to hold myself accountable.” 

He framed his candidacy around “servant leadership” and accountability within the agency. 

Asked about immediate priorities, the candidates offered differing approaches. 

Gregg said he would emphasize “servant leadership,” accountability and increased visibility, especially in rural areas. 

“They don’t work for me, I work with them,” he said. 

Sainsbury focused on improving morale, meeting state training requirements, and expanding community engagement. 

“Finding out what we are doing well and what we can do better… we can always improve,” Sainsbury said. 

Kriete said he would continue building on current efforts, including employee wellness, transparency and proactive enforcement of property crimes. 

“A well deputy is a reflection of the service the community receives,” he said. 

All three candidates emphasized training and leadership. 

Sainsbury said deputies must “lead by example” and prioritize respectful communication. 

Kriete pointed to statewide accreditation standards, noting his office meets more than 140 requirements. 

Gregg said professionalism, integrity and accountability should guide behavior, adding he would not tolerate unprofessional conduct. 

All candidates agreed staffing is critical but differed on how to address it. 

Gregg said retention begins with leadership, noting some deputies have left seeking change. 

Kriete said recruitment efforts have been successful, highlighted by a strong number of experienced lateral hires. 

“I would hire every deputy I could if the budget would let me,” he said. 

Sainsbury proposed increasing patrol staffing, expanding K-9 units and adding corrections and support personnel. 

Each candidate identified drug addiction as a central issue. 

Sainsbury called for stricter enforcement, including making drug possession a felony. 

Gregg focused on property crimes in rural areas, saying some residents “don’t call anymore.” 

Kriete said opioids drive much of the county’s crime and highlighted expanded crime reduction teams and partnerships with drug court programs. 

The new jail facility was also a key topic. 

Gregg criticized current booking limitations, saying deputies are sometimes forced to release suspects. 

Kriete said the issue stems from limited holding space and staffing, but the new jail will ease those constraints as it opens in phases. 

“We’re going to open in stages,” he said. 

Sainsbury said the new facility will increase capacity but will require additional staff and medical resources. 

Each candidate received a question tailored to issues raised by the public. 

Gregg was asked how he would work with the prosecuting attorney while involved in a lawsuit against the county. Gregg is one of two former deputies seeking a combined $10 million in damages, alleging retaliation by former Sheriff Tom Jones following an investigation into former Chief Deputy Ken Jones.  

Gregg said he has “zero concerns” about working with the prosecutor and emphasized his focus on accountability. 

“I left in 2021 because of things I couldn’t support,” Gregg said, adding he pushed for greater accountability within the office. 

Sainsbury was asked why he had not implemented proposed changes while serving as chief deputy. He pointed to expanded training and increased community outreach efforts. 

“I worked with the training cadre to bring patrol tactics classes here,” Sainsbury said, noting plans to continue expanding the program. 

Kriete was asked why he faces two challengers and has raised less campaign funding. He said his fundraising is comparable and that motivations for challengers would be for them to explain. 

“I think we’re doing a lot of good things,” Kriete said. “I hear from the community a lot.” 

In closing, Sainsbury said he is “running for the future of Grant County,” emphasizing training and community engagement. 

Gregg reiterated his focus on servant leadership and accountability. 

“Leaders eat last — make sure you take care of your people,” he said. 

Kriete urged voters to focus on results, citing staffing improvements and program expansion. 

“We’ve made tremendous progress, but we’re not finished,” he said. 

Ballots for the primary election are expected to be mailed in mid-July. 

    Moses Lake Police Department Patrol Sergeant Darrick Gregg is running for Grant County Sheriff. At the Thursday debate Gregg said his priorities are servant leadership, accountability and increased visibility in rural areas.
  

    Incumbent Joey Kriete is running for re-election for Grant County Sheriff. He said his priorities would be to continue building on the foundation he has helped create regarding employee wellness, transparency and proactive enforcement of property crimes.
  

    Grant County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Josh Sainsbury is running for the sheriff position. He said his top priorities are improving morale, meeting state training requirements and expanding community engagement.