Deschutes County Deputy Under Investigation Releases Statement to KTVZ News, Comments on Ring Video Recording

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Three Deschutes County Sheriff's Office employees are on administrative leave as an independent party investigates a formal complaint filed with the county.

Lieutenant James McLaughlin, who is currently running for Deschutes County Sheriff, admitted in a social media post and video that he is one of the staff members under investigation.

At this time, the sheriff's office nor the county have identified what the complaint is in relation to; however, KTVZ News has learned a complaint was filed with the county following a conversation recorded by a Ring Doorbell Camera, between a unidentified deputy and Lieutenant McLaughlin.

The interaction captured in the video was tied to the arrest of Paul Akehurst.

Akehurst was wanted on multiple warrants and his mother filed the complaint against the deputies.

The "Ring" video, currently in the possession of the Deschutes County District Attorney's Office, shows an exchange between McLaughlin and another deputy. In the interaction, the unidentified deputy states, “I kind of want to add a Berg 1 charge to it and then get her for false reporting.” McLaughlin then responds, “That's so bad, dude. That's crazy, dude. Your vindictiveness knows no bounds. I love it.”

When KTVZ News reached out for comment on the video and for an interview, Lieutenant McLaughlin stated, “Because there is an active internal administrative process, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on the substance of the incident or participate in an interview at this time. I would simply note that the brief excerpt referenced in your email does not reflect the entirety of the interaction or the full context of the conversation. As with any situation, context matters and I trust that the complete facts will speak for themselves through the appropriate process. Out of respect for that process, I will not be making any further comments at this time.”

The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office stated that it will not comment on the investigation.

An independent party is conducting the investigation.