BEND, OR -- The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is the target of yet another lawsuit. Michael Boyle was the subject of multiple investigations over the last two years. He is now suing DCSO, Sheriff Shane Nelson, Deschutes County and several deputies for more than $10 million, claiming civil rights violations, intentional infliction of emotional distress and intentional interference in economic relations.
Boyle owned Hop in the Spa in Sisters and was accused of sex abuse, providing massages without a license and other charges in 2021. After the District Attorney dropped initial charges, Boyle threatened legal action. Boyle was then indicted by a Grand Jury in September 2021, months after the initial investigation. According to court documents, that criminal case remains open, with a jury trial scheduled for next April.
In his civil suit, Boyle claims the Sheriff’s office gave false testimony to gain a search warrant and then fabricated evidence. He's asking for $8 million for civil rights violations, $125,000 for liquidated damages, $126,200 for general damages, uncalculated legal fees and unspecified punitive damages. Sheriff Shane Nelson is also personally listed for $2 million.
In response to a request by KBND, the Sheriff's Office issued a written statement saying, "The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is aware of the lawsuit filed by Mr. Boyle. The Sheriff’s Office disputes the allegations made in this complaint and plans to vigorously defend the Sheriff’s Office against these allegations. No further information will be released due to the pending litigation."
