Joseph Lee Harrison is sentenced to 180 days in jail for stealing prescription drugs from Clatskanie homes.

Attorney General John Kroger today announced that a former Clatskanie police officer was sentenced to 180 days in jail after pleading guilty to burglary and official misconduct.

“Law enforcement officers have enormous responsibility and power and must be held accountable when they break the law,” said Attorney General Kroger.

Joseph Lee Harrison (DOB: 8/18/74) pleaded guilty in Columbia County Circuit Court to two counts of Burglary in the First Degree, a Class A Felony, and one count of Official Misconduct, a Class A Misdemeanor.

In addition to jail, Harrison was sentenced to 3 years probation. If he violates the terms of his probation, he faces up to 19 months in prison.

Harrison was arrested in August on charges that he illegally entered three Clatskanie homes in April and July in order to steal Vicodin and OxyContin. During the first incident, Harrison was on duty and in uniform when he obtained keys to an apartment from the owner by means of deception. In the subsequent incidents, Harrison illegally entered unoccupied residences in order to steal prescription pain medications.

Senior Assistant Attorney General Dan Wendel prosecuted the case for the Oregon 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, promote a positive business climate, and defend the rights of all Oregonians.

Contact:

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