BEND, OR -- The Deschutes County Sheriff has released the name of the supervisor placed on paid administrative leave, due to an investigation into how department funds were used. Sheriff Shane Nelson confirms Detectives Division Captain Scott Beard is the focus of that federal investigation. "Our office continues to cooperate with the federal authorities in this investigation and we also remain in regular contact with the FBI and the US Attorney’s office. I consulted the federal authorities and I feel it’s paramount for public interest to release the name since it’s a high-ranking, long-term employee with the Sheriff’s office." Captain Beard is a 13-year veteran of the department. 

A county auditor recommended internal analysis into funds used for investigative purposes and Captain Beard was placed on leave last month. Sheriff Nelson tells KBND, " That investigation is continuing and I’m not able to release any more details because I don’t want to jeopardize that investigation at all. I absolutely want to be transparent so, as soon as I am able to talk with any information that’s uncovered or comes out of this investigation, I will."