BEND, OR -- A criminal harassment charge against a Deschutes County Sheriff’s Deputy was dismissed this week, after he completed a diversion program. In a written statement, District Attorney John Hummel said, "Mr. Wright was offered the option to enter into the early disposition program just like any defendant would have been. Police officers should not be treated better than other defendants, nor should they be treated worse."
Deputy Wright was accused of grabbing the arm of a woman, December 24, after the two were involved in a minor crash in the Bend Fred Meyer parking lot.
Hummel says Wright entered the program at his first court appearance and quickly completed the required community service.
Sheriff Shane Nelson says Deputy Wright has not yet returned to work. "We understand that the criminal process is completed. However, we still have an internal investigation to complete. And, the deputy will remain on paid administrative leave until we complete that investigation." Nelson tells KBND News, "The internal investigation is designed to take a look at alleged policy violations of our office."
Updated Feb. 13 to include information on paid administrative leave.
