James E. West

Overview

James E. West (Jim West) was a Republican politician from Spokane, Washington who served in the state legislature starting in 1982 and became mayor of Spokane in 2003. In May 2005, a local newspaper i…

Description

James E. West (Jim West) was a Republican politician from Spokane, Washington who served in the state legislature starting in 1982 and became mayor of Spokane in 2003. In May 2005, a local newspaper investigation published allegations that West had sexually molested young boys more than 20 years earlier, in the late 1970s or early 1980s. West was accused of abusing at least two young men during his time as a sheriff’s deputy and while volunteering with the Boy Scouts as a troop leader. Although never formally charged, voters overwhelmingly recalled West from office in a special election on December 6, 2005, with 65% voting to oust him. His term ended on December 16, 2005. The FBI investigated the allegations but closed the case without taking action due to lack of sufficient evidence.