Oregon Public Broadcasting

Oregon's Labor Commissioner launched a sexual harassment investigation Thursday into the actions of the former head of the state's police training academy.

John Minnis resigned under pressure in November after allegations surfaced about inappropriate conduct with a subordinate. Chris Lehman reports.

Governor Ted Kulongoski told Minnis to step down or be fired from his role as head of the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training.

The sudden turn of events came after a woman working under Minnis' supervision accused the former state lawmaker of making repeated unwanted sexual advances.

The Oregon Department of Justice declined to pursue criminal charges against Minnis.

Now, Oregon Labor Commissioner Brad Avakian says he's launched a civil investigation of Minnis and the police academy.

Brad Avakian: "We want to know through our investigation whether other individuals may have been affected at the agency."

John Minnis' attorney declined comment. His former agency will be defended by attorneys at the Oregon Department of Justice.