Internal investigation into Deschutes County sheriff’s Captain William Bailey underway over radio interview
Isabella Warren
(Update: Adding details, video)
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ)– Just weeks before embattled Deschutes County Sheriff Kent van der Kamp retires from his position, an internal investigation has been started against his former political opponent, Captain William Bailey.
An anonymous tip to KTVZ News earlier this month claimed Bailey was under internal investigation over comments made on a local radio show. A third party is now investigating.
Van der Kamp confirmed to KTVZ News on Wednesday that Bailey is under internal investigation for violating policy after discussing the sheriff on La Pine radio station KNCP, though the sheriff said he has not personally listened to the interview and could not provide many details, due to the ongoing investigation.
According to Oregon Public Broadcasting, Bailey spoke on the Muddtoe Radio Show about the sheriff’s failure to continue campaign promises and also alleged he was demoted following his loss.
Van der Kamp did confirm that Bailey’s administrative roles had been stripped as a result, which Undersheriff Aaron Wells has now taken on.
Captain Bailey said he was unable to comment on the investigation, as it is still ongoing.
Bailey was van der Kamp’s political opponent during his last year’s contentious run for sheriff. Bailey was endorsed at the time by departing Sheriff Shane Nelson, who had publicly denounced van der Kamp during the election. Bailey was mentioned in a tort claim filed by van der Kamp against the sheriff’s office, alleging political interference, harassment and targeting.
Sheriff van der Kamp confirmed earlier that his last day in office is July 31st, as he retires following public and internal pressure to step down after local and state leaders found the sheriff untrustworthy. District Attorney Steve Gunnels had earlier this year placed van der Kamp on the Brady List of those officers who are not to be called to testify at trial, claiming he lied about his educational background during previous cases.