Deschutes sheriff’s deputy makes claims against sheriff

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is in the spotlight once again. Sheriff Shane Nelson is being accused of discrimination by a female deputy.

Crystal Jansen filed a complaint with the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries on Oct.19, alleging Nelson has discriminated against her the past three years because she is a woman. Other allegations include blocking her from promotions, excluding her from training her male counterparts are provided, and harassment.

Nelson told NewsChannel 21 Friday his office hired an outside investigator to look into the claims. The investigation concluded other employees were chosen for opportunities due to seniority, and Jansen was passed up for promotions because she had not been in her position long enough or had poor performance reviews.

“I have an expectation of the teammates I work with and the supervisors I work with,” Nelson said. “I just want them to do the very best job they can to empower and lead their peers so that we can deliver superior public safety and service to the citizens that we work for, and that’s my expectation. And I will continue to hold people accountable, and sometimes not everyone is going to like that.”

Jansen said she suggested 20 people for the independent investigator to interview, but only four were spoken to.

She also claimed she was harassed after the investigation concluded, saying Nelson taunted her by entering a meeting, winking at her and placing his hand on her shoulder.

The sheriff’s office provided NewsChannel 21 with the video. It shows him shaking her hand and touching her shoulder. He does the same to several other people in the room.

Nelson said he is preparing a response through his legal counsel and will continue to dispute the claims. Jansen’s attorney would not comment on the case.