John Minnis is a former police officer who was appointed to the Oregon State Legislature when his district’s representative was recalled after serving only 67 days because he falsified support letters in the Voter’s Pamphlet. He took his place and was subsequently re-elected until he was termed out. He then ran for the Senate and his wife Karen ran for his seat.
Democratic Governor Ted Kulongowski appointed Minnis as Director of the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training program. He resigned after accused of sexual harassment and possible sexual assault of a subordinate. She alleged that he got her drunk and she woke up in his bed with no memory of what happened. He claimed whatever happened, it was consensual.
The Oregon Dept. of Justice investigated and declined to pursue criminal charges because this happened in California so it was out of their jurisdiction. The AG did forward a copy of their work to the San Diego Police Department
- The Oregonian: Public safety chief John Minnis resigned over inappropriate behavior
- Willamette Week: BREAKING: AG Releases Minnis Investigation (Expanded and Updated)
- Oregon AG/Wayback: Minnis Letter
Statesman Journal
Salem, Oregon · Friday, January 08, 2010
