Vander Kamp goes to court, seeking order preventing release to OPB of Calif. personnel records from early career
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Deschutes County sheriff’s candidate Sgt. Kent Vander Kamp went to court Wednesday, seeking a temporary restraining order to prevent the release of La Mesa, California Police Department personnel records from nearly 30 years ago sought by Oregon Public Broadcasting.
The complaint and motion filed by Sherwood employment lawyer Randy Harvey names as plaintiffs the county sheriff’s office and Sheriff Shane Nelson, who at the time of his retirement announcement endorsed Vander Kamp’s Nov. 5 election opponent, sheriff’s Captain William Bailey. It also names recently appointed Undersheriff Paul Garrison, OPB and reporter Emily Cureton Cook.
The motion’s goal is prevent the sheriff’s office from releasing through OPB’s public records request the confidential personnel records and information, which could occur Wednesday.
Vander Kamp claimed in the filing that release of the records “will cause immediate and irreparable harm,” violating his confidentiality and right to have the material kept private. He also asked the court to order that the plaintiffs show cause as to why the temporary restraining order should not be entered as a preliminary injunction until the matter is resolved.
Among other arguments, the complaint claims, "There is no public interest that requires the disclosure of these records from almost 30 years ago in another state."
OPB has reported that Vander Kamp deceived county hiring officials when he applied for the job with the sheriff’s office decades ago, not listing his nearly two-year stint as a reserve police officer with the city of La Mesa. Nelson earlier this year began investigating if he was fired from that position, leading to a court fight with that city.
OPB reported that the county initially refused to release the records publicly but that county legal counsel David Doyle told OPB they would be provided Wednesday.
Last week, Vander Kamp posted a statement, including an apology on his campaign website, detailing what he’d just learned from the documents about his dismissal from the unpaid volunteer position with La Mesa Police, including that he used speed radar gear without proper certification and failing to report a visit to a gas station.
“I was young, immature, and inexperienced at that time, and I regret my actions,” he wrote, apologizing to his supporters.
Just over a month ago, Vander Kamp filed a tort claim notice of a potential lawsuit against the sheriff’s office, alleging ongoing targeting, harassment and election interference.
Asked if he had any comment on the latest developments, Bailey told NewsChannel 21: "I am focused on my campaign and ready to continue serving Deschutes County residents as their next sheriff."
