Man enters Alford plea to 2025 assault charge against a child in Walla Walla
By Dan Thesman on Tuesday, October 20th, 2026 in Columbia Basin News Columbia Basin Top Stories
WALLA WALLA — A 46-year-old man originally charged with second-degree assault against a related minor has entered an Alford plea to a reduced charge in Walla Walla County Superior Court.
Adam Obediah Hutson, who now resides in Oregon, entered the Alford plea to one count of fourth-degree assault with a domestic violence designation. Under an Alford plea, a defendant maintains innocence while acknowledging that prosecutors are likely to have sufficient evidence to obtain a conviction at trial.
The plea stems from an August 2025 incident at Hutson’s former residence in Walla Walla, following which he was arrested by the Walla Walla County Sheriff’s Office.
Prosecutors and defense counsel have agreed to a recommended sentence of 364 days in jail with credit for time served and the remaining balance suspended for 24 months, conditioned on probation, a 24-month no-contact order with the victim, and completion of a domestic violence treatment program. Because of the conviction of domestic violence, Hutson will also lose his right to possess firearms.
Appearing remotely via WebEx, Hutson confirmed he was voluntarily entering the plea. The judge set sentencing for Nov. 16, requiring Hutson to appear in person.
