By Laura Swanson, Editor
The “People of Tillamook County” sent a demand petition to the Governor’s office and state Attorney General’s office the end of October asking for an independent criminal investigation of Tillamook County District Attorney Aubrey Olson, when Olson failed to resign. The group sent a demand to the DA asking her to resign within 72 hours of receipt of the document. The nearly 450 page demand petition outlines multiple examples of Olson’s unethical and in some cases criminal mis-handling of cases in Tillamook County. In addition, following the county’s investigation the DA filed a lawsuit against the county and threatened the Sheriff’s office whistleblower. Recently upon receipt of the People’s petition, she attempted to block the Board of Commissioners from taking action, again threatening injunctions and legal action.
Remaining anonymous due to the District Attorney’s retaliatory actions, the People of Tillamook County asked the County Board of Commissioners to notify the press and send an acknowledgement letter of support an independent investigation for the removal of the DA to the Governor. At a Board of Commissioners Board Briefing on Wednesday afternoon, November 4th the commissioners discussed the demand petition and developed a course of action to address the requests, which include sending a letter to the Governor in support of the demand petition that will be approved at the next BOC meeting.
Earlier this year, the County conducted an investigation into over 50 complaints about the DA’s performance and ethics, including victimization of victims. The investigation was released to the public in early May and while the investigation found no instances of civil or criminal wrongdoing, the county shared a brief summary of the 35 complaints that were verified as founded:
- Poor victim and partner agency engagement practices, including not believing victims’ testimony, and hostility toward victims, victim advocates and law enforcement.
- Failing to meet human resources policies and prosecuting best practices, including inadequate training and supervision of Deputy District Attorneys; unwarranted public reprimands of subordinates; and failure to respond to community complaints in a timely manner.
- Deficient charging, preparation and trial practices, including the handling of child abuse and domestic violence cases, resulting in concern for victims and community safety; and failing to present viable cases to grand jury or charge cases.
Following the release of the findings, the Commissioners extended the opportunity to the DA to take corrective action, but there was no response, and the situation continued with the DA’s performance. In June, the BOC issued a resolution of “no confidence” in the DA.
The Pioneer requested a statement from District Attorney Aubrey Olson, here is her response: “ … the issues raised in the demand petition relate to ongoing litigation, so I am limited in what I can say. It is important to understand I am obligated under constitutional and statutory law to disclose exculpatory evidence to defense in criminal cases, regardless of whether a person qualifies for whistleblower protection. All my actions have been with the goal of meeting those legal obligations and to ensure the integrity of the criminal justice system. At all times, I have acted within my authority.
I do not intend to resign. I believe the people have been given misinformation based on emotional responses and an incomplete investigation, and they deserve a full explanation. I also believe all the citizens of our county deserve to have a chance to weigh in after being fully informed. The proper avenue to remove me from office would be through a recall petition in which I have a reasonable opportunity to be heard and every registered voter has a chance to provide an official vote.”
Several groups have been considering a recall, but due to DA Olson’s re-election, a recall could not be conducted until six months into the next term, in July, 2027. The People of Tillamook County took the route to ask an additional investigation for the DA’s removal as it was the most expeditious way to remove her. Asking the Governor to direct the Attorney General to conduct an investigation to determine criminality and therefore warrant removal would reduce the amount of time the citizens of Tillamook County are subjected to the continued victimization of crime victims, and the extreme reduction in sentences. In addition, the cost of a recall is $20,000, so this is also a fiscally-responsible way to save the county money,
From the People of Tillamook County’s summary: This Demand-Petition is not based on a political disagreement, personal animosity, or a difference of opinion concerning ordinary prosecutorial discretion. It asks that serious allegations involving the administration of justice, treatment of victims and witnesses, relationships with law enforcement, handling of criminal matters, retaliation and coercion, and other conduct described in the supporting evidence be independently examined by an appropriate state authority.
The People of Tillamook County took a deeper dive into the cases and complaints and amassed a 400+ page document that outlines the criminality, ORS statutes and ethics violations of DA Olson’s handling of justice in Tillamook County.
The summary continues – Public Accountability and the Administration of Justice
The Demand-Petition is based on the principle that the people of Tillamook County are entitled to confidence in the fair, impartial, and lawful administration of justice.
The People are therefore asking state authorities to exercise their lawful responsibilities when allegations concerning the conduct of the elected District Attorney warrant independent examination. The Demand-Petition identifies constitutional and statutory authorities relevant to those responsibilities and explains how the requested investigation and other remedies are intended to protect the integrity of the criminal-justice system and the public’s confidence in it.
Tides of Change’s Board of Directors also issued a statement about the conduct of the District Attorney’s office, following the BOC resolution of “no confidence”, saying in part:
Tides of Change staff participated in the investigation into the practices within the Tillamook County District Attorney’s Office in hopes that the findings would lead to meaningful change and improvements; however, at this time there appears to be lack of accountability in regards to the findings of the investigation. The Tides of Change Board of Directors supports the Tillamook County Board of Commissioners Resolution in Proclaiming No Confidence in Aubrey Olson, District Attorney for Tillamook County.
We stand with survivors in our community and will continue to listen, advocate and seek a fair and equitable justice system. We believe that Tillamook County should be a community where everyone, especially our most vulnerable, are safe and thriving. Thriving communities have meaningful engagement and collaboration amongst the community partners that is based in respect. In order to have a safe community, we need to hold offenders accountable for their behaviors and believe survivors.
Here’s a link to the full statement: https://www.tillamookcountypioneer.net/tillamook-county-district-attorney-investigation-tides-of-change-board-of-directors-public-statement/
The Governor’s office and Attorney General’s office have been contacted, and we are waiting to hear back from them about a timeline for action to be taken, and the request for an independent investigation.
Here is a link to the People of Tillamook County Serve Formal Demand for Immediate Resignation of District Attorney Aubrey Olson
https://www.tillamookcountypioneer.net/people-of-tillamook-county-serve-formal-demand-for-immediate-resignation-of-district-attorney-aubrey-olson-public-brief-for-demand-petition-memorandum-exhibits/
COMPLETE PACKET – The People of Tillamook County Demand Petition (448 pages)
Peoples Complete Copy – District Attorney Demand Petition 11 03 26
