Sheriff who met refuge occupiers re-elected

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — An Oregon sheriff who gained attention for his support of occupiers who took over the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge has been elected to another term.

Grant County Sheriff Glenn Palmer received 51 percent of the vote and The Oregonian/OregonLive reports (http://bit.ly/2eW7uAo) his challenger conceded Wednesday.

Palmer’s county neighbors Harney County, where the refuge is located. He twice met with occupiers who traveled to visit him, generating some complaints he was supporting lawbreakers. Palmer considers himself a “constitutional sheriff” and vows to protect citizens from abusive government.

In May, The Oregonian/OregonLive sued Palmer and his office after he ignored or declined several requests for public records dating to February.

Meanwhile, the Oregon Department of Justice is investigating an allegation he destroyed an electronic copy of a police report in 2012.

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Information from: The Oregonian/OregonLive, http://www.oregonlive.com