Oregon Public Broadcasting

Bernie Giusto's decision to retire this summer may not take him out of the line of fire.

The Multnomah County Sheriff's facing the loss of his certification as a police officer after citizens' complaints were lodged against him.

Among those charges:  Whether Giusto lied to his superiors some years ago about his relationship with then-Governor Neil Goldschmidt's wife.

Last week, a state committee overseeing police certification recommended that Giusto lose his badge.

Late Thursday, Giusto sent out a written announcement that he'll step down at the end of June. Eriks Gabliks is with the state agency that oversees certification for police officers. He says Giusto's retirement has no effect on the inquiry.

Eriks Gabliks:  "Because he does have an open case and that case is moving forward, we will continue on that case until we have a contested case hearing. We're looking at 'Is it an honorable retirement?' in essence."

The Board on Public Safety Standards and Training will meet in July, and vote on the recommendation to strip Giusto of his badge. That process could stretch into next fall.

The state ethics commission is also looking whether Giusto broke state law with inappropriate use of a county car.

A spokesman for the sheriff has not returned calls asking for comment.