Sheriff Nelson: Indicted, arrested captain has been fired

Deschutes County Sheriff Shane Nelson issued the following statement Friday night after the indictment and arrest of sheriff’s Capt. Scott Beard on theft, money laundering and other charges. The sheriff announced that Beard, who had been on paid administrative leave since last fall, was fired Friday.

Here’s the full text of that statement.

In September of 2015, as a result of a transition audit done upon my taking office, I became aware of discrepancies in confidential funds managed by Scott Beard. These accounts involved investigative funds, which were used by the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement Team and Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office detectives.

Beard was placed on administrative leave and the Federal Bureau of Investigation began a criminal investigation. Concurrently, the Sheriff’s Office conducted an administrative investigation of Beard with the assistance of an outside investigator. I cannot emphasize enough the importance of a thorough investigation and our commitment in maintaining the integrity of that investigation. This office and our employees have cooperated fully with both the criminal and administrative investigation.

During the past 5 months, I agreed with the FBI and U.S. Attorney’s Office to give the federal criminal investigation priority over taking employment action against Beard.

That criminal investigation resulted in a federal criminal indictment dated February 17th, 2016.

Scott Beard was arrested on those federal charges today by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and he was fired from our office this afternoon.

After the audit uncovered this issue, the Sheriff’s Office immediately increased oversight of our accounting practices. We have continued to review these practices and made further changes as a result of recommendations from the transition auditor and the outside investigator conducting the administrative investigation.

These improved accounting practices address the methods in which the Sheriff’s Office handles money and also complies with legally required audits.

The gross misconduct by this one person is in no way representative of the over 220 men and women, whom I am proud to call co-workers. We will not tolerate misconduct amongst our ranks and dedicate ourselves to the ethical and professional standards of the law enforcement profession. This has damaged our citizens’ trust and confidence in a time where law enforcement is under great scrutiny. We will rebuild this trust and continue to provide the best in public safety and service.

The administrative investigation will continue and release of additional details at this time could compromise the investigation.