In December 2023, former Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Corrections Deputy Peter Collins was arrested after admitting to embezzling over $100,000 from the Douglas County Law Enforcement Association while serving as its treasurer between 2016 and 2023. He was charged with multiple counts, including first-degree aggravated theft, computer crime, fraudulent use of a credit card, falsifying […]
In 2023, the Oregon Board on Public Safety Standards and Training revoked the basic, intermediate, and advanced corrections certifications of former Douglas County Sheriff’s Office employee Richard Markillie. He was terminated after an investigation revealed that he neglected his duty, endangered his peers, and failed to respond and render aid when an inmate assaulted another […]
Sergeant Michael Molan filed a lawsuit claiming the department violated its own policies, affecting his promotion opportunities. After reporting a policy violation in 2018, Molan alleged he faced a retaliatory investigation and was suspended without pay for two days, preventing him from applying for a lieutenant position. The lawsuit sought compensation for back pay and […]
Former Deputy Eric Kozowski filed a lawsuit alleging retaliation by Sheriff Shane Nelson after Kozowski ran against him in the 2016 election. In August 2021, a federal jury awarded Kozowski over $1 million, finding that his speech on public concerns was a motivating factor in his dismissal and that Nelson violated state laws barring retaliation […]
Sheriff Shane Nelson was accused of gender discrimination and retaliation by Deputy Crystal Jansen. In 2016, Jansen filed a complaint alleging Nelson downgraded her performance reviews and blocked her from promotions. The lawsuit was settled in September 2021 for $527,000, with no admission of culpability. ## Officer Forum Links: – [Shane Nelson](https://watchaudits.com/forums/topic/shane-nelson/)
In October 2022, former Deputy Ron Brown was charged with four misdemeanors, including three counts of first-degree official misconduct and one count of unlawful dissemination of an intimate image. Allegations included transferring intimate photos from a deceased man’s phone to his own and engaging in inappropriate conduct with the man’s girlfriend. Brown retired during the […]
In May 2016, former Captain Scott Raymond Beard pleaded guilty to embezzling $205,000 in law enforcement funds. He admitted to two counts of theft from a federally funded program and two counts of money laundering. Beard faced up to twenty years in prison and was ordered to pay full restitution to Deschutes County. ## Officer […]
In 2014, Sheriff Scott Busching was named in a lawsuit filed by inmate Isaac T.L. Gould, Sr., alleging deliberate indifference to medical needs during Gould’s detention at the Williams County Correctional Center. The lawsuit claimed that Busching, along with Lt. Royce Crone, failed to provide adequate medical care, resulting in adverse health consequences for Gould. […]
Lieutenant Royce Crone was implicated in a 2014 lawsuit by inmate Isaac T.L. Gould, Sr., who alleged that Crone exhibited deliberate indifference to his medical needs while detained at the Williams County Correctional Center. The lawsuit contended that Crone, along with Sheriff Scott Busching, neglected to provide necessary medical attention, leading to health issues for […]
In 2017, former Sheriff Johnny Lawson was investigated for multiple offenses, including conspiracy to deliver methamphetamine, bribery, and providing false reports to law enforcement. The investigation revealed his involvement with local meth dealers, acceptance of bribes, and failure to perform his duties. Lawson was arrested and faced charges that could lead to up to 25 […]
In October 2014, Sheriff Steve Kukowski faced charges of reckless endangerment and refusing to perform a public duty following the death of inmate Dustin Irwin. Irwin’s health deteriorated over three days in the Ward County Jail without receiving medical attention, leading to his death. The Department of Corrections found the supervision and medical treatment provided […]
In 2010, Sheriff Lauren Wild terminated Deputy Ron Nord the day after Nord ran against him in the sheriff’s election. Nord filed a lawsuit alleging First Amendment violations, claiming he was fired in retaliation for his campaign statements. The court ultimately granted Wild qualified immunity, shielding him from liability. The case highlighted concerns about potential […]
In 1999, Deputy Fischer was involved in a case where an inmate, Leroy Peterson, suffered a serious head injury due to alleged negligence in providing timely medical care during alcohol withdrawal. The court found sufficient evidence of negligence, leading to a lawsuit against Traill County. ## Officer Forum Links: – [Deputy Fischer](https://watchaudits.com/forums/topic/deputy-fischer/)
In February 2013, BCI and Homeland Security agents searched the home of Sheriff Vaughn Klier after child pornography was downloaded from the sheriff’s IP address. Initially considered a suspect, the sheriff was cleared of any wrongdoing after his son was found to have child porn and was convicted on a felony charge of possession of […]
In August 2018, Sergeant Matt Thom resigned from the Stutsman County Sheriff’s Office after nearly six years of service. His resignation followed the dismissal of two significant drug bust cases in which he was involved. Thom’s resignation letter cited personal reasons and a desire to seek employment outside of law enforcement. The dismissed cases raised […]
