Walla Walla Man Avoids Charges in Healthcare Burglary Case

Second City Hall case still pending as plea negotiations stall

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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A judge in Walla Walla, Washington has dismissed one of two criminal cases against Lucas Chad Warneka, 45, related to allegations of burglary and property damage at a local mental health facility. The state filed a motion to drop the charges without prejudice, meaning they could potentially refile the case in the future. However, a separate case involving alleged break-in and damage at Walla Walla City Hall is still pending, with plea negotiations between Warneka and prosecutors reaching an impasse.

Why it matters

The dismissal of the healthcare facility case highlights the complexities of the criminal justice system, particularly when it comes to repeat offenders and plea bargaining. The ongoing City Hall case also raises questions about homelessness, mental health, and property crime in the Walla Walla community.

The details

In the dismissed case, Warneka was accused of burglarizing and causing extensive damage to the interior of Comprehensive Healthcare's facility in Walla Walla in March 2025. However, the state filed a motion to drop the charges without prejudice, which the judge granted. Warneka's defense attorney had also filed a motion to dismiss, arguing a refiling would be "unduly prejudicial." The second pending case involves allegations that Warneka used force to break into an area of Walla Walla City Hall not regularly used by employees and set up camp there for about a week in February 2025, causing $1,900 in damage to a door.

  • On March 2, 2025, Warneka was accused of burglarizing and damaging Comprehensive Healthcare's facility.
  • On February 13, 2025, Warneka was arrested for allegedly breaking into Walla Walla City Hall and causing damage.
  • On February 19, 2026, the judge dismissed the charges related to the Comprehensive Healthcare facility.

The players

Lucas Chad Warneka

A 45-year-old man accused of burglary and property damage at a local mental health facility and Walla Walla City Hall.

William McCool

Warneka's defense attorney who filed a motion to dismiss the charges related to the Comprehensive Healthcare facility.

Melanie Dane

Walla Walla County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney who offered Warneka a Drug Offender Sentencing Alternative (DOSA) as part of plea negotiations.

Brandon Johnson

The judge who dismissed the charges related to the Comprehensive Healthcare facility.

Comprehensive Healthcare

A local mental health facility in Walla Walla that was allegedly burglarized and damaged by Warneka.

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What they’re saying

“I don't want to shoot myself in the foot”

— Lucas Chad Warneka (elkhornmediagroup.com)

“While the judge granted the state's motion first, rendering McCool's motion moot, he noted the defense's objection for the record.”

— Judge Brandon Johnson (elkhornmediagroup.com)

What’s next

A status hearing is scheduled for March 2 at 2 p.m. to review final discovery and confirm if the parties are prepared to proceed to the March 24 trial for the Walla Walla City Hall case.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges of the criminal justice system in dealing with repeat offenders, particularly those struggling with mental health and substance abuse issues. The dismissal of the healthcare facility charges and the ongoing negotiations over a plea deal in the City Hall case underscore the need for comprehensive solutions that address the root causes of criminal behavior.