Tag Archives: Ethics Violations

Klamath County Sheriff Chris Kaber exonerated in ethics violation case

Allegations of potential nepotism and other ethical violations against Klamath County’s sheriff have been dismissed. Nine months after county commissioners filed complaints with the Oregon Government Ethics Commission, Sheriff Chris Kaber has been exonerated. In August 2023, Klamath County Commissioner Derrick DeGroot submitted a complaint to OGEC with allegations of nepotism and conflicts of interest. […]
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How an ethics investigation led to a packed sheriff’s race in Klamath County

It was a public dispute between the sheriff and the county commissioners late last year that led to a flood of candidates in the race for Klamath County sheriff. “I think everybody’s tired,” said Daren Krag, one of the candidates running. “All of the negative news reports about our office and the embarrassment that’s been […]
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Oregon Government Ethics Commission Receives Complaint About Governor and First Lady

The Oregon Government Ethics Commission today confirmed that it has received a complaint related to the role of first lady Aimee Kotek Wilson in the office of her wife, Gov. Tina Kotek. Source: Oregon Government Ethics Commission Receives Complaint About Governor and First Lady

Oregon officials vastly overestimated growth in booze sales; underestimated costs of new warehouse

The Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission appears to have vastly overestimated the growth of liquor sales in the current two-year budget cycle and beyond, which could leave local and state governments with budget holes to fill. The agency told lawmakers Tuesday that demand for booze – and the lucrative stream of revenues it generates – […]
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Local Sheriff under ethics investigation speaks out

Klamath County Sheriff Chris Kaber is speaking out. The Sheriff is under investigation by the State Ethics Commission, for potential nepotism. Back in June, a Klamath County Commissioner filed a state ethics complaint against Sheriff Chris Kaber for appointing his son, who also works at the Sheriff’s Office, to another position. Source: Local Sheriff under […]
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Ex-Eugene 4J school board member Laural O’Rourke reprimanded

Former Eugene School District 4J board member Laural O’Rourke has been given a letter of education after “soliciting gifts” via social media prior to her resignation. On Oct. 6, the Oregon Government Ethics Commission finalized O’Rourke’s case during their regular meeting. A letter of education is essentially a warning, informing the official about laws they […]
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Former Eugene 4J board member reprimanded by Oregon Ethics Commission 

A settlement has been reached between former Eugene 4J school board member Laural O’Rourke and the Oregon Government of Ethics Commission, which was investigating her for possible ethics laws violations. The two parties agree in the settlement that O’Rourke violated ORS 244.025, a law that states public officials may not solicit or receive any gifts […]
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State ethics watchdogs launch investigation into former Secretary of State Shemia Fagan

The investigation is expected to take about six months, unless it’s delayed because of a pending federal investigation. State ethics watchdogs have launched a full investigation into former Secretary of State Shemia Fagan’s conduct while in office, including her $10,000-per-month consulting gig for marijuana entrepreneurs and whether she accurately reported her income and expenses to […]
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“Oh, no. Oh, no.”: Marijuana contractors react to Fagan’s resignation

When the news broke that Oregon Secretary of State Shemia Fagan will resign, KOIN 6 News was interviewing Rosa Cazares and Aaron Mitchell, the co-owners of La Mota cannabis. They are at the center of the ethics controversy that prompted Fagan to resign. At the moment the news was released, Cazares and Mitchell were talking […]
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Criminal investigation opened into Oregon bourbon scandal

The Oregon Department of Justice on Friday, Feb. 10, announced it would open a criminal investigation into the diversion of Kentucky bourbon by Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission officials for their own use.The announcement comes two days after The Oregonian revealed that six liquor agency officials had diverted scarce bottles of bourbon for their own […]
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