The challenger in the Thurston County sheriff’s race was given a verbal warning last month after making statements about a female co-worker, according to office documents. The warning, the office’s lowest level of discipline, was accepted by Deputy Derek Sanders. He is appealing the decision. The Office of Professional Standards determined Sanders violated sheriff’s office policy prohibiting employees from making comments that are found to be “discourteous, disrespectful, or discriminatory.” Sanders said the investigation was conducted because he is running for sheriff, against incumbent Sheriff John Snaza. "I looked at that as purely political,” said Sanders. According to co-workers, Sanders made several comments about a female co-worker after she was given a position as a K-9 handler in June. Sanders also applied for the position. According to investigators, Sanders said the woman only got the job because others in the department wanted to have sex with her. Days later, Sanders was accused of saying the woman was probably "sitting on the lap" of another K-9 deputy. READ THE FULL STORY: https://www.king5.com/article/news/politics/elections/investigation-thurston-county-sheriff-candidate-comment/281-76594ec9-5eb9-4ce8-b17b-b6b30babda9d