BEND, OR -- An investigation is underway into an Oregon State Police Captain. Acting on an anonymous tip received Tuesday night, Deschutes County Sheriff Shane Nelson says his agency launched an investigation into Capt. William Fugate, "We are in the early stages of this investigation, and will not be releasing any specific information at this time about the nature of this investigation." Nelson adds, "This investigation involves a high-level commander in a professional law enforcement agency. We are in the beginning stages of this investigation and want to balance transparency with our duty to protect the integrity of the investigation. We take these investigations seriously and will always do the right thing. In all criminal investigations, we respect our citizen's rights as we investigate to gather the facts."

Fugate is the lead Public Information Officer (PIO) for the State Police. Sheriff Nelson tells KBND News the alleged incident didn't happen while Fugate was working, "The investigation is not related to his employment or on-duty conduct."

OSP Superintendent Travis Hampton issued the following statement, Thursday: "I placed Captain Fugate on administrative leave once I learned of the criminal investigation initiated by the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office. The Oregon State Police is grateful for the immediate and professional response by the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office, to allegations involving our employee. We are appreciative for the timely notification to our agency, so duty status determinations could be immediately made. OSP has the utmost confidence in Sheriff Nelson and his investigators to conduct a comprehensive and transparent investigation."