Oregon Public Broadcasting

A report to the Oregon Ethics Commission has found that Multnomah County Sheriff Bernie Giusto was out of line when he took his business car on a personal trip to Seattle two years ago.  Andrew Theen reports.

At issue is whether a midweek overnight trip in his sheriff's department vehicle was improper.  Giusto drove to Seattle with "two non-family members" and returned to work the next day.

According to the report, Giusto's contention that he needed the car to respond if there was an emergency is "not reasonable."  He could face a 1,000 dollar fine.

Lieutenant Bruce McCain is Sheriff Giusto's attorney.  He called the violation "nebulous".

Bruce McCain: "The sheriff as well as the five sheriffs preceding him have been given vehicles on a 7/24 hour basis.  Personal use is not only expected, but often encouraged."

The Oregon Ethics Commission takes up the issue next Friday.

The state police licensing body decided last month Giusto should lose his badge for ethical reasons.  The sheriff will retire next month.