Multnomah County Sheriff Asked to Resign

Embattled Multnomah County Sheriff Dan Staton is considering resigning.

The sheriff, who was asked Tuesday to resign by the union representing deputy sheriffs, told the Portland Tribune and others that he is open to stepping aside.

Staton told the Tribune he would consider stepping down by early next year. Others say he has indicated it could be much earlier.

Staton has reached out to former Portland Police Chief Mike Reese to take over the department if he does step down.

As an elected official, Staton is eligible to name a designee to step in if he steps down.

Reese, who has considered running for sheriff in 2018 when Staton would be ineligible to run for reelection, has said he would.

The Multnomah County Board of Commissioners would still have to approve of Staton's replacement under those circumstances.

The Oregon Department of Justice started a criminal investigation of the sheriff's department after allegations surfaced that Staton had created a hostile work environment, conducted improper background checks, and retaliated against people in his office.

Staton has repeatedly denied wrongdoing.

After being informed by the union that they wanted him to step aside, the sheriff said he would like until next week to get back to them.

Staton did not respond to a request for comment.