OLYMPIA, Wash. -Olympia Mayor Pro Tem Joe Hyer has been arrested for investigation of marijuana trafficking.
Hyer was arrested Thursday evening at his home after a month long investigation by the Thurston County Narcotics Task Force. Thurston County Sheriff Dan Kimball says a confidential informant had purchased marijuana from Hyer twice in the past two months during controlled buys.
According to police, officers seized baggies of pot that had apparently been packaged for sale to the councilman's friends.
Hyer wasbooked into the county jail on Thursday night. He posted bail and left the facility. It was not immediately known if Hyer was represented by a lawyer.
Earlier this week, Thurston County commissioners informally chose Hyer to succeed Robin Hunt as county treasurer. Hunt is leaving for a new job before the Dec. 31 expiration of her four-year term. Hyer's formal appointment as treasurerwas scheduled for March 1.
Hyer, a Democrat, is now on paid leave from the council.
The head of the Thurston County's G.O.P. is calling for Hyer to resign.
