Sheriff Giusto Could Lose His Law Certifications

Spokesperson Jeanine Hohn says the DPSST respects the rights of all individuals involved, "and this letter in no way should indicate that a conclusion has been made."

Sheriff Bernie Giusto Courtesy: Multnomah Count Sheriff's Office

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - Sheriff Bernie Giusto of the Multnomah County Sheriff is in hot water. He has received a letter from the state agency that certifies law enforcement officers in Oregon that will likely spell the end of his position as Sheriff in Multnomah County.

The Department of Public Safety and Training Standards, DPSST, has informed Giusto that he has violated the established moral fitness standards for Oregon public safety officers.

The three specific counts of misrepresentation are for his knowledge of a former governor's affair with an underage female, approving a handgun permit despite knowing the individual's prior criminal history, and over his relationship with Lee (Jeddeloh) Doss., then wife of Multnomah County Crime Commission Chairman Jim Jeddeloh.

Giusto has until October 29th to make his move; he needs to resign or he will case will go in front of the Police Policy Committee. Their review of the case could lead to a recommendation for revocation to the Board on Public Safety Standards and Training, or DPSST says they may not recommend revocation.

Spokesperson Jeanine Hohn says the DPSST respects the rights of all individuals involved, "and this letter in no way should indicate that a conclusion has been made."

She says the DPSST sent the letter to Sheriff Bernie Giusto earlier this week. She describes it as a standard letter sent to those involved in investigative inquiries the agency is conducting. It was not a public notice, and they did not mean for it to fall into the hands of the press.

"The letter sent to Sheriff Giusto was released to the media from someone outside of DPSST. The letter does not ask Sheriff Giusto to resign. The general purpose of the letter is to provide an option to the involved party to voluntarily surrender his/her certification, or submit mitgating circumstances regarding the issues being investigated by DPSST." Below is the letter as it was presented to Sheriff Giusto earlier this week:

Sheriff Bernard Giusto
Department of Public Safety Standards and Training
4190 Aumsville Hwy SE Salem, OR 97317
503-378-2100 FAX 503-378-3306http://www.dpsst.state.or.us

Dear Sheriff Giusto:

The Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) has the responsibility to ensure the minimum standards for public safety officers in the State of Oregon are maintained. DPSST has received information that you may have violated the established moral fitness standards for Oregon public safety officers by:

There are two methods of resolving this matter. You may sign the Stipulated Order Revoking your Certifications and return it to me within ten (10) calendar days. Or, if you choose not to sign this Stipulated Order, your case will be presented to the Police Policy Committee who will review the underlying investigation and make a recommendation whether to revoke your certifications based on your conduct. The Policy Committee’s recommendation will then be forwarded to the full Board and they will either affirm or overturn the Policy Committee’s recommendation. If their recommendation is to revoke your certification, DPSST and the Department of Justice will issue you a Notice of Intent to Revoke. In making their decision, the Policy Committee and Board may consider any mitigating or aggravating circumstances. The Policy Committee will not consider oral testimony. You may choose to submit, in writing, relevant information on your behalf. If you choose to respond, I must receive your information, in writing, by 5:00 p.m. on October 23, 2007. If you choose to sign the attached Stipulated Order Revoking Certification, this document will stop all revocation proceedings through the Policy Committee and the Board. Please use the enclosed self-addressed envelope to return the signed Stipulated Order. We will supply an executed copy of the Stipulated Order after it has been signed and filed. If you have questions, I can be reached by phone at (503) 378-2305, by fax at (503) 378-4600, or by email at theresa.king@state.or.us .

Sincerely,
Theresa M. King, Professional Standards Coordinator
Standards and Certification Division
Department of Public Safety Standards and Training
STATE OF OREGON

Cc: Assistant Attorney General Darin Tweedt, Oregon Department of Justice