| Statement of Oregon Department of Corrections regarding disposition of Rebecca McLauchlin case |
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 25, 2006
CONTACT: Perrin Damon, 503-945-0925
perrin.p.damon@state.or.us
Statement of Oregon Department of Corrections
regarding disposition of Rebecca McLauchlin case
Today a former employee, Rebecca McLauchlin, pled guilty to several crimes committed in the course of her work with the Oregon Department of Corrections. She pled guilty to four counts of Custodial Sexual Misconduct (Class C Felony), two counts of Official Misconduct (Class A Misdemeanor), and one count of Bribe Receiving (Class B Felony).
In 2005, the Legislature passed, and the Governor signed, legislation making custodial sexual misconduct a crime unto itself. The law affects not only the Department of Corrections, but also other government agencies that have people in custody.
Longstanding rules and policies of the Department of Corrections have always held employees accountable for sexual misconduct to the extent possible using administrative remedies. In fact, SB 89, the legislation that criminalized custodial sexual misconduct, was proposed by the Department of Corrections. The department will continue to ensure that staff who abuse the public’s trust will be held accountable for their actions. It is the agency’s policy that as soon as any criminal conduct is suspected, it is reported to the State Police and cooperation extended to investigators and the district attorney.
“The quick resolution of this case speaks volumes about the accountability and transparency of our agency and how seriously we accept our responsibility to Oregon citizens,” said Max Williams, director of the Oregon Department of Corrections. “We hope that Oregonians look beyond the transgressions of an individual to the good work our 4,000 employees perform daily to promote public safety.”
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