A civilian employee of the Marion County Jail was arraigned in the Marion Circuit Court this morning following an investigation into alleged inappropriate interactions with female inmates at the Marion County jail.
Nathaniel W. Johnston, 33, has served as a Facility Security Aide since February of 2007, and has been on administrative leave since April 22, 2013.
Johnston was charged with three counts of ORS 162.415 - Official Misconduct in the First Degree (an A Misdemeanor) and released with a new court date of July 1, 2013 at 1:30pm.
The interactions for which Johnston has been charged allegedly occurred during a year-long period beginning in May, 2012.
Sheriff's Office officials became aware of the allegations that lead to the charges in April, 2013. After conducting an initial review, it appeared that the conduct may have constituted a violation of state laws. Consistent with Sheriff's Office policy, Sheriff Myers called upon the Linn County Sheriff's Office to conduct an independent investigation into the allegations.
The results of that investigation were submitted to the Marion County District Attorney's Office for review. The charges were filed on May 20th.
Sheriff Jason Myers commented, "As an Office, we support our employees and stand behind them when they make sound decisions. However, every decision must adhere to the standards of our policies, procedures, office code of ethics and the public's trust in our office. If they don't, we are committed to being accountable."
Mr. Johnston is represented by Salem Attorney Jeff Jones. He was charged by way of District Attorney's Criminal Information filing; there is no PC statement available.
Nathaniel W. Johnston, 33, has served as a Facility Security Aide since February of 2007, and has been on administrative leave since April 22, 2013.
Johnston was charged with three counts of ORS 162.415 - Official Misconduct in the First Degree (an A Misdemeanor) and released with a new court date of July 1, 2013 at 1:30pm.
The interactions for which Johnston has been charged allegedly occurred during a year-long period beginning in May, 2012.
Sheriff's Office officials became aware of the allegations that lead to the charges in April, 2013. After conducting an initial review, it appeared that the conduct may have constituted a violation of state laws. Consistent with Sheriff's Office policy, Sheriff Myers called upon the Linn County Sheriff's Office to conduct an independent investigation into the allegations.
The results of that investigation were submitted to the Marion County District Attorney's Office for review. The charges were filed on May 20th.
Sheriff Jason Myers commented, "As an Office, we support our employees and stand behind them when they make sound decisions. However, every decision must adhere to the standards of our policies, procedures, office code of ethics and the public's trust in our office. If they don't, we are committed to being accountable."
Mr. Johnston is represented by Salem Attorney Jeff Jones. He was charged by way of District Attorney's Criminal Information filing; there is no PC statement available.