Sheriff sees unity after victory

After a contentious campaign that saw allegations of cronyism, workplace harassment and retaliation from the challenger - and counter-accusations of policy violations - newly elected Sheriff Shane Nelson is looking forward to his first full term as Deschutes County Sheriff.

"I am very happy, and thankful to my family, teammates, and the citizens of Deschutes County, who had confidence in me," Nelson told The Nugget. "We have a great team, great people, and we are proud to represent Deschutes County."

Nelson, formerly a captain with the sheriff's office, was originally appointed to the position by retiring Sheriff Larry Blanton, and approved by a unanimous vote of the county commissioners in 2015.

Nelson's first months as an appointed sheriff did not lack for controversy. He inherited the high-profile investigation into former Sheriff's Captain Scott Beard, who was ultimately fired and sentenced to five years in federal prison for theft and money-laundering. Beard pleaded guilty to stealing investigative funds and lavishing gifts on his then-girlfriend.

A second DCSO captain, Erik Utter, resigned after being subject to an internal investigation alleging improper relations with a subordinate, and Sheriff's Lt. Tim Leak was placed on administrative leave after alleged policy violations. A second Lt., Robert Trono, was placed on paid administrative leave after a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms investigation into potential violations of firearms licensing requirements.

At the time of these controversies, Nelson told The Nugget he was committed to addressing the issues within the sheriff's office, and pledged to handle the incidents as firmly and effectively as possible.

Nelson's opponent, DCSO Deputy Erik Kozowski, seized upon the controversies to support his contention that the sheriff's office was in dire need of new leadership.

Deschutes County voters, however, decided otherwise. Nelson won the election convincingly, garnering 55 percent of the vote. Sheriff Nelson told The Nugget he believes strongly in the election process.

"I have 175,000 bosses," he said. "I am always running for my job, and that's the way it should be."

Asked about any lingering effects of the campaign, and Kozowski's well-publicized allegations of nepotism inside the department, Nelson told The Nugget that the sheriff's office is unified as a department, and looking forward to serving the community, "the way we've always been successful serving."

Nelson said that deputies and civilian employees alike are enthusiastic about several new initiatives, including the recent formation of a Citizen's Advisory Board. Nelson said the board will provide representation to the sheriff's office from different areas of the county, and offer input on programs and services.

Sheriff Nelson also told The Nugget that the sheriff's office is beginning a Citizen's Academy in February. Citizen's Academies have become very popular across the country, and offer a chance for citizens to learn more about law-enforcement tactics, techniques and procedures. The academies serve as a bridge to the community, and help to dispel many of the myths surrounding law enforcement.

The sheriff also said he was also looking forward to making adjustments to the Sheriff's Office Strategic Plan. He did not offer details.