Walla Walla man re-sentenced to prison drug treatment program after ineligibility ruling
By Dan Thesman on Friday, October 2nd, 2026 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
WALLA WALLA — Joseph John Richter, 42, was re-sentenced Friday in Walla Walla County Superior Court to a 19-month prison-based Drug Offender Sentencing Alternative (DOSA) after officials determined he was legally ineligible for his previous sentence.
Judge Brandon Johnson signed the amended judgment Friday after it was determined that the initial sentence in August was not statutorily allowed. Johnson had previously imposed a residential-based DOSA program, which allowed Richter to avoid prison time.
Under the corrected sentence, Richter will serve 19 months in prison followed by 24 months of community custody with drug treatment supervision through the Washington Department of Corrections (DOC). Defense attorney Julie Karl noted that 19 months represents half the midpoint of the standard sentencing range for his offenses.
Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Tyler Hensley emphasized that the primary advantage of the revised sentence is the mandatory two-year probation period, providing significant prison time over Richter’s head if he fails to comply with DOC.
Addressing the court prior to sentencing, Richter apologized to the victims and the community, stating he did not mean to scare anyone and expressed remorse for his actions.
The re-sentencing stems from a July 10 guilty plea to second-degree burglary and fourth-degree assault with sexual motivation. The charges arose from an April 24-hour crime spree in Walla Walla, during which Richter stole a bicycle, made threats, broke into an East Alder Street residence, and assaulted an elderly woman inside.
