DCSO, Sheriff Nelson sued by sergeant for policy violation

One of several lawsuits filed by agency in recent years

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office and Sheriff Shane Nelson are being sued by a sergeant who claims they failed to follow federal and state laws and deprived him of his rights.

Michael Molan has worked for DSCO since 2002 and currently serves as a sergeant.

In a 34-page complaint filed earlier this fall, Molan claims the department violated its own policy and in turn affected his efforts to seek a promotion to lieutenant.

The lawsuit claims that after Molan brought attention to a policy violation last year regarding the use of force during a pat-down, he was the target of an investigation in retaliation that was not completed in a timely manner.

Molan claims he was suspended without pay for two days after reporting the incident. He says the investigation prevented him from applying for a lieutenant position.

Molan also claims he suffered humiliation and distress and is seeking compensation for back pay and loss of benefits.

NewsChannel 21 received this emailed statement from Sheriff Shane Nelson:

"This lawsuit is based on allegations that were investigated by independent investigators in 2019. At the conclusion of the investigations, the outside investigators determined the allegations were unfounded. We will continue proudly delivering customer service to our community, guided by our mission and values."

NewsChannel 21 reached out to Molan and his lawyer and have not yet received a response.