Deputy Spokane County prosecutor resigns with no explanation

Thursday was the last day on the job for Deputy Spokane County Prosecutor Joe Kuhlman.

Reasons for his resignation have not been disclosed.

Kuhlman, who helped prosecute felony domestic violence cases, had been with the office since June 1, 2011. Last year he made $77,558, according to Spokane County.

Asked why he was leaving, Prosecutor Larry Haskell declined to answer. Also, he offered no comment regarding Kuhlman’s years of service.

“I can’t speak about any personnel issues,” Haskell said. “Human Resources will give you any information that is releasable.”

Human Resources Director Tim Hansen said Kuhlman’s resignation was effective Thursday. Asked if he could explain Kuhlman’s reason for leaving, Hansen said: “I’d love to comment on that, but I can’t do that.”

Efforts to reach Kuhlman Thursday were unsuccessful. He worked the DomesticViolence Unit that is supervised by Deputy Prosecutor John Love.

“I know he left our office,” Love said. Asked why, Love wouldn’t say. “It’s between him and the main office.”

While Haskell would not describe the circumstances of Kuhlman’s departure, Spokane Public Defender Tom Krzyminski said his office had good relations with Kuhlman and was not aware of any complaints against him.

Kuhlman “was well liked by the defense bar,” Krzyminski said. “He was professional. You could make an argument to him and know he was listening and taking into consideration your client’s story.”