KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. — Former Klamath County Sheriff’s Office Captain of Operations Brian Bryson filed a lawsuit against Klamath County and Sheriff Chris Kaber Tuesday.
The lawsuit contains a total of six claims, including whistleblower retaliation. Bryson alleges that Kaber created a toxic environment that harmed his mental health and ultimately compelled him to resign after he reported Kaber for legal and ethical violations relating to Kaber’s sons’ employment with the sheriff’s office.
“Standing up for victims has been my calling, I am disappointed that I now need to take this type of action for my rights being victimized by a Sheriff who only seems to do things to advance his friends and family and not the community and employees as a whole,” Bryson said in a press release issued by his attorneys.
Reached for comment Tuesday, Kaber said he had not been officially notified of the lawsuit due to being out of town for a family reunion and did not wish to respond in detail before speaking with Klamath County’s legal representation.
“This lawsuit has long been expected,” Kaber said. “Mr. Bryson signaled his plan to sue the County months ago. From what I know of the lawsuit, it is frivolous and without merit. Mr. Bryson is taking the exact course of action expected of him.”
Kaber announced in February that he would not seek reelection for sheriff. In May, the Oregon Government Ethics Commission voted unanimously to dismiss a complaint against Kaber filed by Klamath County Commissioner Derrick DeGroot.
In the May 21 primary election for sheriff, Bryson finished second in a seven-candidate field with 13.80% of the vote, placing him in a runoff with Shane Mitchell (who received 37.38% of the vote) in the November general election.
