Klamath commissioners ask sheriff to go on leave

GRANTS PASS, Ore. (AP) — Klamath County officials have asked Sheriff Frank Skrah to go on leave in light of an ongoing state criminal investigation, newly released documents show.

The Klamath County Board of Commissioners on Wednesday released a letter in which they ask the sheriff to go on paid administrative leave so that seven deputies who were placed on paid administrative leave at their request could return to work. The letter was sent to the sheriff’s attorney on Tuesday.

Sheriff Skrah did not immediately return calls for comment regarding whether he would go on leave. In a previously released statement, the sheriff says he has not been interviewed by investigators from the Oregon Department of Justice and has not been told what the investigation is about. He adds that he has pledged his cooperation.

The Oregon attorney general’s office won’t say why it’s investigating Skrah. But Becky Gallagher, a Eugene lawyer who represents the Klamath County Peace Officers’ Association, said the deputies’ union had gone to the county last week asking to put the deputies on paid leave for their protection.

The Oregonian quoted three sources who said the department is investigating Skrah for use of excessive force, including allegations the sheriff punched a handcuffed suspect.

Gallagher said the investigation has to do with “retaliation and workplace harassment by the sheriff.” The union also has filed an unfair labor practice complaint against the county because of the sheriff’s actions, records show.

In another letter released by the county on Wednesday, the county’s attorney reminds the sheriff not to retaliate against employees who have filed complaints against him.

The sheriff replies, in another letter, by denying he has retaliated against or disciplined any deputies. Sheriff Skrah also says given that the deputies are on leave, they should be relieved of their badges, guns and vehicles.