Former Clarkston City Administrator Faces Assault Charge

Judge sets April 14 pretrial hearing in case involving alleged misconduct with female subordinate

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Steve Austin, a former city administrator in Clarkston, Washington, has pleaded not guilty to a fourth-degree assault charge with sexual motivation. The charge is connected to alleged misconduct involving a female subordinate at Clarkston City Hall in 2024. A pretrial hearing has been scheduled for April 14 before a Whitman County judge who is overseeing the case.

Why it matters

This case highlights issues of workplace misconduct and the importance of holding public officials accountable for their actions, especially when they involve abuse of power and alleged sexual harassment of subordinates.

The details

According to court records, Steve Austin is facing a gross misdemeanor charge of fourth-degree assault with sexual motivation. The charge is connected to alleged misconduct involving a female subordinate at Clarkston City Hall in 2024. Austin has pleaded not guilty to the charge. A pretrial hearing has been scheduled for April 14 before Whitman County Judge Roger Sandberg, who is overseeing the case. Austin's defense attorney, Michael Felice, said future motions may push back the newly scheduled trial date on April 30. Asotin County Deputy Prosecutor Jaime Young is handling the case on behalf of the state.

  • The alleged incident occurred in 2024 at Clarkston City Hall.
  • Austin has a pretrial hearing scheduled for April 14, 2026.
  • The trial is currently scheduled for April 30, 2026.

The players

Steve Austin

A former city administrator in Clarkston, Washington, who is facing a fourth-degree assault charge with sexual motivation.

Michael Felice

Austin's defense attorney.

Jaime Young

Asotin County Deputy Prosecutor handling the case on behalf of the state.

Roger Sandberg

Whitman County Judge overseeing the case.

The alleged victim

A female subordinate at Clarkston City Hall.

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What they’re saying

“At the hearing, defense attorney Michael Felice said future motions may push back the newly scheduled trial date on April 30.”

— Michael Felice, Defense Attorney (dnews.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on April 14 whether to allow any motions that could push back the trial date currently scheduled for April 30.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of holding public officials accountable for alleged misconduct, especially when it involves abuse of power and sexual harassment of subordinates. The outcome of this case could have broader implications for workplace policies and the treatment of employees in local government.