Clackamas County District Attorney Concludes Review of West Linn Police Department Investigation
June 6, 2020 Update from the Interim City Manager
Interim City Manager John Williams shares the following update with the community regarding the City's response to the release of the District Attorney's report of West Linn Police Department's investigation of Michael Fesser:
"It has now been just over one week since the District Attorney’s report was issued, and we know that the City Council and West Linn community expect appropriate measures to be taken immediately. I share this goal. I want to make it clear that we are moving as quickly as possible, while still following the advice of our legal counsel. However, if we do not comply with an employee’s constitutional right to due process, we jeopardize the financial interests of the City and the taxpayers. We expect to make a decision by June 16."
May 29, 2020 District Attorney Report Released
On Friday, May 29 the City of West Linn received a report from Clackamas County District Attorney (CCDA) John Foote reviewing the West Linn Police Department investigation of Michael Fesser.
“We greatly appreciate the extensive work of Clackamas County District Attorney John Foote and his staff in reviewing this case. An independent external review of this matter is critically important to our community’s efforts to move forward,” Interim City Manager John Williams stated. “The District Attorney’s report contains findings of serious misconduct that is inconsistent with the West Linn Police Department and City of West Linn’s mission and values. Legal counsel and City Management will be reviewing the information received and will take a prompt and appropriate response to this development.” City staff will not be making further public comment, pending further resolution of this matter.
The CCDA report (report found here and below) found that both Sergeant Reeves and former Police Chief Timeus engaged in misconduct. The CCDA concluded that Reeves would be disqualified from testifying in any criminal cases in the future, and there will be a review of cases in which he testified in the past. The CCDA is referring this matter to the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) with the recommendation that Sergeant Reeves’ and Chief Timeus’ police certifications be revoked. Pursuant to the policy of the CCDA, Sergeant Reeves and Chief Timeus may seek an appeal to the District Attorney if they submit new or additional information.
CCDA’s analysis of this case also included a review of former West Linn Police Lieutenant Stradley and former West Linn Detective Boyd. Lt. Stradley remains subject of an on-going investigation by the City of Portland’s Independent Police Review oversight agency. CCDA did not find substantial evidence that Detective Boyd committed misconduct.
The completion of the Clackamas County District Attorney’s investigation is just one part of the work underway at the City of West Linn. The Mayor, City Council, and staff are committed to a full, impartial and transparent assessment of these matters in order to continue to rebuild community trust and ensure the highest possible level of service moving forward. Investigations by the Department of Justice remain underway, and a specialized independent investigator has been contracted to review the City’s internal handling of Michael Fesser’s tort claim against the City. Other work underway includes conducting an independent Diversity, Equity and Inclusion audit; developing and implementing a City-wide Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Plan; and working towards creation of a Police Oversight Task Force.
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