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@WCSOOregon
December 14, 2017 -- A Washington County Sheriff's Office employee was arrested for alleged sexual misconduct against a co-worker. He was booked at the Washington County Jail.
On Wednesday, December 6, 2017, a Washington County Sheriff's Office employee reported ongoing sexual harassment by a co-worker. The employee alleged of misconduct, Kevin J. Kearns, was placed on administrative leave and an investigation began.
Detectives from the Sheriff's Office were assigned to conduct a criminal investigation into the alleged misconduct. Detectives investigated concerns of behavior which began with Mr. Kearns making sexual comments to the victim. The behavior escalated into unwanted sexual touching of the victim on more than one occasion. The conduct occurred in the jail while both employees were on duty.
Earlier today, detectives arrested Mr. Kearns, 45-years-old of Cornelius, and charged him with sexual abuse in the third degree and harassment. He was booked at the Washington County Jail.
Mr. Kearns has been employed with the Sheriff's Office since 2006 and is a corporal assigned to the Jail Division.
The Sheriff's Office will be conducting an internal investigation.
The Washington County Sheriff's Office takes allegations of sexual misconduct in the workplace very seriously. Such conduct is not tolerated in any form. Employees are mandated to report sexual harassment to supervisors and every report is thoroughly investigated.