Former manager for Multnomah County Animal Services sentenced to 18 months in prison

Multnomah Co. District Attorney's Office - 05/14/18 

Today, Multnomah County District Attorney Rod Underhill announced the former Field Services Manager for Multnomah County’s Animal Services received an 18 month prison sentence following an investigation into embezzlement of county funds and official misconduct.

On May 14, 2018, Randall Ray Brown, 38, appeared before Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge  Eric J. Bloch and was formally sentenced to 18 months in prison. Brown made an upfront payment totaling $54,587.00 in restitution. Of that amount, $400 went to Brown’s supervisor, a named victim in the case. The remaining funds went to Multnomah County. 

The defendant pleaded guilty on February 28, 2018 to one count each of aggravated theft in the first degree, identity theft and official misconduct in the first degree. 

This criminal investigation began on August 25, 2017 when Multnomah County contacted law enforcement after learning the defendant was using a county-issued purchasing card to buy gold bullion and other items for himself. The purchases were made online and under the ruse that they were for official business. Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office Detective Brad Robertson later discovered that the defendant would sell the gold in exchange for cash. The investigation also showed the defendant was taking the cash and buying items, which he otherwise could not have afforded, for personal use and enjoyment. 

Additionally, the investigation revealed that the defendant used a county-issued computer, while on duty, to create fake receipts and forged his manager’s signatures for approval in an effort to hide his illicit purchases. The defendant made multiple, high dollar amount purchases, between January 1 and August 31, 2017 without approval from Multnomah County.

“The defendant’s crimes in this case violated the trust the community puts in, and expects from, its public servants,” said Multnomah County Senior Deputy District Attorney Brian Davidson, who prosecuted this case. “The harm from Mr. Brown’s criminal conduct extends beyond Multnomah County. He was in a supervisory position with Animal Services. His co-workers and the community were shaken by this violation of trust. We must continue to hold people accountable if they attempt to erode the confidence the public puts in government.” 

Upon his release from prison, the defendant will be on two years of post-prison supervision. Brown made no statement during his sentencing hearing.