Sheriff Probed for Actions During #OregonStandoff Wants to Set-up Legal Defense Fund

Embattled Grant County Sheriff Glenn Palmer is asking permission to set up a legal defense fund.

Palmer wrote to the state ethics board requesting clearance to do that. If the state approves, Palmer will be allowed to solicit donations to help pay for a lawyer.

Palmer is the subject of at least two investigations: one by the state's Department of Justice and one by the state's Department of Public Safety Standards and Training.

Palmer's request was first reported by the Oregonian,

The sheriff has been the focus of controversy related to his actions during the armed takeover of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge.

During that time he expressed sympathy with those behind the takeover and the night one of them was killed and others arrested, they had been on their way to meet with Palmer.

In his request to the state, Palmer includes 10 complaints that have been filed against him.

Palmer, in an affidavit filed with the state, states that the investigations into his actions are "directly related to the execution of my official duties as the Sheriff of Grant County."

They include allegations that he has given out permits to carry concealed weapons to people who are not eligible to receive them and that he has undermined other sheriffs.

"Sheriff Glenn Palmer has demonstrated over and over again that he is selective about which he laws he wishes to enforce and to which individuals he chooses to enforce them," wrote one complainant.

"He recently undermined the Harney County Sheriff."

Palmer has also come under fire for seeming to condone threats against Les Zaitz, a reporter for the Oregonian.

The state is expected to consider Palmer's request at meeting on April 8.

Read more about Sheriff Palmer

Reporter says Sheriff Condones Threats Made Against His Family

#OregonStandoff Emails Show Concerns Over Actions of Sheriff