Former PPB chief Mike Reese becomes county sheriff

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — A former Portland police chief is officially taking over as Multnomah County sheriff.

The Oregonian/OregonLive reports that former Portland chief Mike Reese began his new job as sheriff on Wednesday. The 57-year-old outgoing sheriff, Dan Staton, retired Tuesday after 27 years at the agency.

Staton’s retirement comes after accusations of bullying, sexism, profiling, retaliation, improperly purchasing a fancy car and trying to influence a union vote. A labor union representing workers in his office called for him to resign and the county opened an investigation into his treatment of employees.

Staton announced in April that he chose Reese as his successor.

Reese was a Multnomah County sheriff’s deputy before joining city police. He retired as police chief in 2015.

Voters will elect someone to finish Staton’s term in November.