DA Calls for Investigation of TD Police Officer, 10-Year Case Review

Source. Pictured: Officer Jeff Kienlen

The investigation stems from the recent discovery of a 2011 letter titled “Notice of Discipline”, which was discovered by newly inaugurated District Attorney Matthew Ellis, according to a press release from Ellis. 

The notice of discipline signed by then-Police Chief Jay Waterbury stated Kienlin was demoted because he had violated the City Police Policy for Truthfulness.

CCCNews attempting to contact officer Kienlen at his home and was told by a woman who answered the door to “get the f#$& off my property. Leave now.” CCCNews also called The Dalles Police Department for comment. A message was left for Chief Pat Ashmore at 2:50 p.m. this afternoon. 

Defense Attorney Shannon Tissot said the investigation was a “long time coming,” noting that Keinlin had “roughed up” some of her clients including one person with mental health issues.

“Based on my experience as a defense attorney, I keep hearing or seeing the same kind of conduct from the same police officer over and over again where that police officer is not being reprimanded or it seems like he’s not being reprimanded or disciplined in any way, it’s a relief to see Matthew Ellis taking it seriously,” she said.  

In the release, Ellis said prosecutors have a constitutional and statutory duty to disclose exculpatory information (the letter in question), including potential impeachment information to defense attorneys. Certain information in the possession of a district attorney’s office regarding the credibility of a state’s witness, such as a police officer, is discoverable under the Brady rule. The scope of the investigation will inquire into why the 2011 letter regarding the officer was not included in the former District Attorney’s disclosure index, the release said.   

Ellis said, the current City of The Dalles Police Chief Pat Ashmore has been supportive of this investigation. The decisions made in 2011 do not reflect the current standards and practices of The Dalles City Police, Ellis said in the release. 

From all observations, Chief Ashmore has worked tirelessly to guarantee his department operates with accountability and transparency in ensuring public trust. The impact of a 2011 event and the actions or inactions of prior administrations should not reflect on the ethical individuals currently working in both the City Police and in the District Attorney’s Office, Ellis said.

The District Attorney’s office has been informed that the officer was placed on administrative leave from the City of The Dalles on January 17, 2021. The District Attorney’s office is currently reviewing any open matter where the officer was an essential witness and will file motions for dismissals in Wasco County  Circuit Court. The county, city, district attorney's office, and city police have started a joint effort to conduct a ten-year review on any and all cases involving the officer for conviction integrity, said Ellis.

District Attorney Ellis says the investigation and the simultaneous case review will be the start of ensuring a fairer, more transparent, and more just, criminal justice system in Wasco County.  

District Attorney Ellis recognizes Chief Ashmore, the City of The Dalles Police Department, City of The Dalles, and Wasco County for their immediate response to this situation.