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Deschutes County Sheriff Seeks Closure

BEND, OR -- With the end of two big internal investigations, this week, Deschutes County Sheriff Shane Nelson says it’s time to move forward. 

 

Former Captain Scott Beard pleaded guilty, Monday, to two counts each of theft and money laundering, stemming from crimes committed while he was employed by the county. He was accused of stealing more than $205,000 from the department. Sheriff Nelson says he will testify at the August sentencing. "I want him to be held accountable for violating the citizens’ trust. So, this does give closure in that respect. And, from the standpoint of restitution: I look forward to getting restitution from Scott Beard for the taxpayers of this county."
 
Then, on Tuesday, the Oregon Attorney General's office announced corrections staff were not criminally responsible for the 2014 overdose death of an inmate. Nelson tells KBND News there were lessons learned from that tragedy. "A lot of changes came out of that investigation. We have the Alive-Lock wristband that measures oxygen levels; we went to 24-hour a day, 7-day a week nursing coverage. So, there are positives that come out of that." Nelson also acknowledges deputies were wrong to mock Edwin Mays before he died, as seen on surveillance footage. "Yes, we lacked professionalism in that video. And, discipline arose out of that: two people were demoted and two other people were disciplined." Mays' family is expected to continue with their wrongful death civil lawsuit, relating to that case. 

 

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