BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESS RELEASE (Issued 12-27-23)
**Link To Investigation Report Here**
Over the past several months, Klamath County has received several public records requests for an investigation conducted by Carroll Consulting, LLC, an independent third-party investigator.
The investigation was requisitioned through Klamath County Counsel’s Office in order to advise the Klamath County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) of their legal standing in relation to BOCC Resolution 2018-016. Resolution 2018-16, signed by BOCC members on February 6th, 2018, resolved that Sheriff Chris Kaber had proposed a management plan of his sons, so as to address the possible appearance of conflict of interest in their management.
Sheriff Kaber’s subsequent actions had caused the BOCC concerns that the resolution was not being followed. Specifically, in June 2023, Sheriff Kaber unilaterally assigned his son, Sgt. Ryan Kaber, to the position of Sergeant Detective. Klamath County Human Resources Policy 409 requires that when, “it is determined that a violation of ORS Chapter 244 may be occurring or may have occurred, the Human Resources Director or their designee shall notify the Oregon Government Ethics Commission of the potential violation.” As required, Klamath County submitted a complaint to the Oregon Government Ethics commission on June 20, 2023. The BOCC sought this investigation to determine if there were violations of the resolution as well.
Unfortunately, the investigation not only found violations of the resolution had occurred, it turned up other conflict of interest (favoritism) issues within the Sheriff’s Office. Thus, in order to protect all Klamath County personnel, the BOCC rescinded Resolution 2018-16, on September 27, 2023.
Previously, requests for this report have been denied, as the investigation narrative met an exception to Oregon Public Records Law. The BOCC had declined to waive the attorney-client privilege of confidentiality which had excepted the document from public disclosure. The report names current county employees, and the BOCC feared its release to the public may expose those employees to retaliation. Recently, employees named in the document requested its un-redacted release. Attached here to is the full, un-redacted version of the Carroll Consulting, LLC investigation report dated September 22, 2023.
As there have been numerous whistleblower complaints from multiple sources, the BOCC, on behalf of Klamath County, is obligated to perform independent and objective investigations.
The Klamath County Board of Commissioners,
David A. Henslee, Commissioner
Kelley Minty, Vice Chair
Derrick DeGroot, Chair
I support Sheriff Kaber in his endeavors to make Klamath County a safe County to live in. I believe he followed the rules of the office of the Sheriff’s Department it’s my opinion that there are some disgruntled deputies that also weren’t satisfied with our last elected Sheriff and maybe it’s just sour grapes.
There are always problems in any department with elected members.our law enforcement men and women and their leaders have an extremely difficult road to follow. Alot of their decisions are split second, life and death. The city/county officials need to grow up and work with andfor all of the members of the departments. Look for ways to help,not hender our employees. I dare say the public,ie voters have a few bones to pick with some of our elected government officials. With this current situation I think they will find the tide will change if the shoe fits.
Hard to believe that an experienced man like sheriff Kaber does not see the public perception and conflict of interest, favoritism and nepotism. The sheriff fails to see that after all is said and done, it all falls on his shoulders, he is responsible for the entire sheriff’s department, from community relations to patrol to jail.
So it’s acceptable to you that Ryan was put into a position without consideration of other individuals who may have had seniority? It’s acceptable to you that Chris Kaber agreed to not directly supervise his sons and then done so? You cannot reposition an individual and not call it supervising.
I was hurt by the Benton County Sheriff’s department and the lied about my husband total a car that was in mine and his name I have footage that even shows a sheriff that left his body cam on his review mirror. I ended with two broken ribs and plus neck injury I have no criminal history. These guys think they are above the law. We lost all of our family airlooms jewelry my husband’s work tools and all our clothes long with my medical stuff. These guys ran into a non running car that was parked and keys were not in the ignition. They should be held accountable for what they did. Posted stuff on news with put correct info lies before my husband even went to court.
Seems to me much ado about nothing!
I certainly hope this is not another attack on a good law enforcement office and officer!!
Evil loves to twist the facts as the MSM has been doing for the past 30-40 years!
Again, as from my experience, the Klamath County Sheriffs office has been exemplary in its conduct, and exemplary in its enforcement of the law!
If this is another witch hunt against law enforcement, shame on the people instigating this sham!!
City and county councils across the nation through the corrupt money of George Soros, have been attacking law enforcement for years, and the MSM has held their hands in this evil escapade!!