Dean Francis Gushwa has been on administrative leave since the Department Of Justice launched an investigation into possible criminal conduct

Oregon Attorney General John Kroger today announced that the Department of Justice has charged Umatilla County District Attorney Dean Francis Gushwa with five counts of official misconduct.

Gushwa faces five counts of Official Misconduct for using his office to obtain sexual gratification and cover it up. The five counts cover conduct that occurred between Dec. 1, 2008, and April 1, 2010.

A criminal defendant is considered innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Official Misconduct is a Class A Misdemeanor. There is currently no felony Official Misconduct crime in Oregon. As part of his 2011 Legislative agenda, Attorney General Kroger will introduce a bill that will create a felony Official Misconduct charge to close this loophole.

Senior Assistant Attorney General Erin Greenawald is prosecuting the case for the Oregon Department of Justice. The case was investigated by the Oregon Department of Justice with assistance from the Pendleton Police Department.

On Aug. 18, the Oregon Department of Justice opened an investigation into alleged criminal conduct by District Attorney Gushwa. District Attorney Gushwa agreed to step aside during the investigation. In order to insure the proper enforcement of Oregon’s criminal laws, Governor Kulongoski authorized the Department of Justice to temporarily perform the duties of the District Attorney until the investigation is concluded.

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 |