Oregon Department of Justice Begins Probe of Sheriff Dan Staton

By Nigel Jaquiss

Multnomah County Sheriff Dan Staton remains on the hot seat.

In response to a request by County Chairwoman Deborah Kafoury and Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill, the Oregon Department of Justice launched a investigation of the sheriff this week.

The DOJ probe will examine allegations Staton harassed a female chief deputy, gathered personal information on members of a committee weighing whether to make the sheriff's job appointed rather than elected, and threatened committee members with retaliation.

Although all the allegations relate to Staton's conduct as sheriff, entitling him to legal representation by the county, he has also retained the Barran Liebman law firm to represent him. If Staton wants the county to pay for his private attorney, he'd need approval from the commission or the county attorney. He has not sought that approval.

Staton's spokesman, Lt. Steven Alexander, confirms the sheriff hired a private lawyer. Asked who's paying, Alexander says, "I don't have any information on that."

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