Retired judge accuses Tri-Cities port of protecting 'guilty' commissioner

Judge Eugene Pratt says the Port of Benton commission has failed to hold Commissioner Scott Keller accountable for violations.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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A retired judge in the Tri-Cities area accused the Port of Benton commission of misrepresenting the findings of an investigation into allegations against Commissioner Scott Keller and failing to hold him accountable for violations of port policies and state laws. Judge Eugene Pratt, who served for 39 years, delivered a blistering message during a recent port commission meeting, calling out Commission President Bill O'Neil for dismissing evidence against Keller.

Why it matters

The allegations against Keller, who previously worked as the port's executive director, raise concerns about the misuse of public funds and resources. The port commission's response has drawn criticism from the retired judge, who says they are more interested in protecting Keller than ensuring accountability.

The details

The port hired a law firm to investigate 24 allegations against Keller, which spanned his time as both a port employee and an elected commissioner. The investigation found that Keller violated port policies and state laws on four occasions, including misusing public funds and illegally tapping into the city water system at his private airport hangar. However, the port commission only censured Keller for one violation and took no action on the more serious findings.

  • In January 2026, Port of Benton Commission President Bill O'Neil claimed a newly-discovered document from 1999 indicated the port had agreed to provide water to private hangars, including Keller's.
  • In February 2026, retired Judge Eugene Pratt delivered his blistering message during the Port of Benton commission meeting.

The players

Eugene Pratt

A retired judge who served for 39 years in the Tri-Cities area and recently criticized the Port of Benton commission for its handling of the allegations against Commissioner Scott Keller.

Bill O'Neil

The president of the Port of Benton commission who claimed a newly-discovered document exonerated Commissioner Scott Keller.

Scott Keller

A former Port of Benton employee who was elected as a commissioner and is accused of violating port policies and state laws, including the misuse of public funds and illegally tapping into the city water system at his private airport hangar.

Lori Stevens

A Port of Benton commissioner who, along with Bill O'Neil, voted to censure Scott Keller for only one violation and took no action on the more serious findings.

Roy Keck

A former Port of Benton commissioner who filed one of the complaints against Scott Keller.

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What they’re saying

“I'm appalled that there has been zero action taken by Commissioner (Lori) Stevens and Commissioner O'Neil to ensure accountability or rectify the misuse of public funds. Rather, the response has been to justify the actions and protect the guilty.”

— Eugene Pratt, Retired Judge (Port of Benton commission meeting)

“If the letter is in fact valid, even though it was presented months after the (Schwabe) investigation was completed, I would not consider this an agreement.”

— Eugene Pratt, Retired Judge (Port of Benton commission meeting)

What’s next

The port commission has agreed to set up a committee to look into the illegal and unpermitted water lines and connections at the Richland Airport hangars, including Keller's hangar.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions and lack of accountability within the Port of Benton, as a retired judge accuses the commission of protecting a 'guilty' commissioner despite evidence of violations. It raises questions about the port's governance, transparency, and commitment to upholding the law and serving the public interest.