Curry County District Attorney Everett Dial and Attorney General John Kroger today announced that a former Curry County mental health worker has been convicted of official misconduct for having sex with a client.

“Clients of social services need to be assured that public employees are looking out for the client’s best interest and a professional relationship must be maintained,” said District Attorney Dial. “We will team up with the Attorney General’s Office whenever possible to hold accountable those who violate this professional relationship.”

“Oregon citizens place an enormous trust in public servants who deal with the young, the elderly and other vulnerable adults. When people violate that trust we will hold them accountable,” added Attorney General Kroger.

Alfred J. Howe worked as a case manager for Curry County Mental Health from September 2007 to January 2008. As a case manager, he was responsible for assisting clients in managing finances, obtaining employment and housing, and accessing other services. Shortly after Howe quit, it was learned that he had engaged in sexual activity with a client while he worked for the county.

Howe was sentenced to three years probation and ordered to pay a $1,000 fine. He was also sentenced to 5 days in jail. He is forbidden from having contact with the victim or other Curry County Mental Health clients and working as a case manager.

Senior Assistant Attorney General Rodney Hopkinson handled the case for the Department of Justice.

Attorney General John Kroger leads the Oregon Department of Justice. The Department’s mission is to fight crime and fraud, protect the environment, improve child welfare, and defend the rights of all Oregonians.

Contact:

Tony Green, (503) 378-6002 tony.green@doj.state.or.us |