Long-Time Multnomah County Deputy Behind Bars on Multiple Charges

The Deputy was booked, then moved to an undisclosed jail outside Multnomah County.

Deputy Erich Watson, arrested Tuesday. Photo: MCSO

(PORTLAND) - A 25-year veteran of the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office was arrested Tuesday. 57-year old Erich Watson, a Corrections Deputy from Portland, is charged with Official Misconduct in the First Degree (class A Misd.), Custodial Sexual Misconduct in the Second Degree (class A Misd.) and Possession of a Controlled Substance II – cocaine (class C Fel.).

Watson’s arrest was a result of an ongoing investigation conducted by the East County Major Crimes Team (MCT) comprised of detectives from MCSO, Gresham PD, Troutdale PD, and Fairview PD. The Multnomah County District Attorneys Office has also been involved.

Watson was arrested Tuesday evening, placed on administrative leave, booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center and was then transported to an undisclosed jail outside Multnomah County.

“This case is still under investigation and our obligation to the public dictates that the integrity of the investigation be preserved,” said Lt. Jason Gates, Public Information Officer for the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office.

“Maintaining our long standing commitment to transparency, however, our office has made the decision to release the above information in order to keep the public informed and conserve their trust that we are diligently investigating this serious issue involving one of our members.

“As the course of the investigation permits we will release further information when it is appropriate and less likely to damage our case.”

The progress of the investigation will be evaluated in the next two days, and more information will become available at that time.