Washington Co. Sheriff Suspended After Alleged Unprofessional Comments

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Kirsten Nicolaisen, GoLocalPDX Digital Producer

On Monday, Deputy Chris Gilderson was suspended for several weeks without pay after allegedly making unprofessional comments towards a citizen, according to the Washington County Sheriff's Office.

Gilderson arrested Abdiwali Hussein on Dec. 31 2013 for theft and supplying alcohol to a minor.

On Feb. 11, 2014 Hussein complained to the sheriff's office about mistreatment during his arrest. Hussein said that while being driven to jail, Gilderson reportedly engaged in a verbal altercation and made unprofessional comments. Hussein also alleged that Deputy Gilderson punched him in the face, according to the sheriff's office.

Sheriff Pat Garrett requested an outside police investigation and Beaverton detectives investigated. Gilderson was placed on paid administrative leave until the investigation was complete, deputies said.

The case was referred to the Clackamas County District Attorney's Office for review because Gilderson has served the county for more than 13 years and is known to local prosecutors.

The DA concluded that Gilderson engaged in unprofessional conduct, but did not find that Gilderson caused either "offensive physical contact" or a "physical injury" to support a criminal charge of harassment or assault, deputies said.

Upon receiving the findings from the Clackamas County DA, Sheriff Garrett ordered an internal investigation and suspended Deputy Gilderson for several weeks without pay. Gilderson had no previous disciplinary history with the department, according to the sheriff's office.