Whitman County Judge Roger Sandberg denied a protection order against Pullman Police Chief Jake Opgenorth Wednesday after finding no substantial evidence of sexual assault or domestic violence, according to KREM.

Sandberg cited evidence the woman withheld text messages from the Court where she admitted no sexual assault or domestic violence occurred, according to KREM. Sandberg labeled the woman’s withholdings as a deliberate attempt to mislead the Court.

The woman who filed the protection order against Opgenorth worked with him on the Pullman Police Advisory Committee, according to the Spokesman-Review. She also alleges the two at some point had an affair.

Sandberg also denied a protection order requested by Opgenorth, citing evidence both parties made attempts to manipulate the narrative, according to KREM. Opgenorth had accused the woman of harassment and making false claims.

Opgenorth has been on administrative leave since December 2024 as Washington State Patrol conducts their investigation into the allegations. Cmdr. Aaron Breshears has been serving as acting police chief in his absence.