Sheriff Frank Skrah, of Klamath County, Oregon has been asked by officials to go on a voluntary administrative leave as he is being investigated by the state’s Department of Justice and has refused. In documents released by the county board, it was revealed that several deputies had asked to be put on administrative leave from their posts because they feared “retaliation and workplace harassment” by the sheriff.
Sheriff Frank Skrah is in deep trouble with the law. On Wednesday evening, officials from Klamath County, Oregon issued a statement requesting that Sheriff Frank Skrah leave his post as soon as possible, and he has refused.
The same day, Klamath County was able to convince a judge to release countless documents from Skrah’s lawyers that showed he may have been harassing his officers for reporting some of his illegal actions while in office.
According to the Oregon attorney general, on Tuesday, seven deputies had asked to be put on administrative leave from their jobs because they feared retaliation from Skrah.
The day before, the seven law enforcers were interviewed by the Oregon Department of Justice as part of an investigation of Skrah. Becky Gallagher, who represents the Klamath County Peace Officers Association, said the employees were being harassed for some of the revelations they made about their subordinate. Gallagher shared:
“There were concerns about workplace harassment and retaliation by the sheriff,” said Gallagher. “So for their safety we sought protective leave. They county agreed and those deputies who requested were placed on paid administrative leave.”
Gallagher added that the deputies would return to work if Skrah leaves. Asked by local reporters why is the Department of Justice investigating the sheriff, spokesman Michael Kron declined to answer.
However, according to The Oregonian, the DOJ has been investigating since July due to:
allegations of excessive force against Skrah, including that he punched a handcuffed suspect.
Skrah said in the statement that he is not leaving and explained that he has yet to be questioned by any authorities and added:
“One month later I still have not been advised as to the specific nature of that investigation nor have I been interviewed by representatives of the Oregon Department of Justice. I am learning more about the Oregon Department of Justice investigation and learning about an internal county investigation just like the rest of the public, from media reports.”
What are your thoughts on Sheriff Frank Skrah’s problems?
