HR Sheriff’s deputy arrested on sex abuse charges

Smith, 43, faces charges of luring a minor, sex abuse, as well as private and public indecency.

On Thursday, English was told about the incident and accusations. Smith was immediately placed on administrative leave and the sheriff requested that the Oregon State Police conduct an investigation into Smith’s actions.

The next night, Smith was transported by OSP troopers and lodged at Northern Oregon Regional Corrections Facility (NORCOR) on charges of luring a minor, two counts of sexual abuse in the third degree, one count of public indecency and two counts of private indecency. The luring charge is a Class C felony, while the rest are misdemeanors.

Smith posted $3,500 bail Friday and was released from NORCOR. He was no longer listed on the jail’s online inmate roster by Saturday morning.

Crook County District Attorney Daina Vitolins, to whom the case has been referred, was contacted for more information, but she did not respond by press time.

Smith, whose listed town of residence is Washougal, Wash., has been a deputy and detective with the Sheriff’s Office for years.

English said the Sheriff’s Office has a goal to be transparent with the public, but the release of more information “could compromise the integrity and sensitive nature of this investigation.”

“While Mr. Smith’s conduct happened off duty, making certain that our organization maintains the highest standards of conduct and professionalism is paramount. I am committed to ensuring that our employees are held to the same standards as every citizen and that we are accountable for our actions whether on or off duty,” English said.

“This incident, while deeply disturbing, should not overshadow the hard work that is done by the professional men and women in our organization every day.”