A longtime major crimes detective with the Clark County Sheriff’s Office is on administrative leave following allegations of misconduct.
Deputy Kevin Harper, who has worked as a detective for the agency for nearly two decades, was placed on leave on Sept. 26, according to the sheriff’s office.
Undersheriff Mike Cooke would not expand on the allegations except to say that if sustained, would constitute violations of the sheriff’s office policies and could result in criminal charges.
Sheriff Chuck Atkins has requested that Washington State Patrol’s Criminal Investigations Division investigate the allegations. Prosecuting Attorney Tony Golik has requested that if criminal charges are warranted, that the state Attorney General’s office assist in prosecuting the case, the sheriff’s office said.
“I take allegations of misconduct very seriously,” Atkins said in a press release. “We are acting quickly and aggressively to address these issues. I will not tolerate the type of behavior which has been alleged.”
Sgt. Todd Barsness, who oversees the major crimes unit, has been moved to the patrol unit as a result of the investigation, Cooke said, but he would not provide more details on the matter. Sgt. Duncan Hoss is currently overseeing the unit.
While other positions within the sheriff’s office are rotational, Harper has had a longterm position in the major crime unit.
Harper is the lead investigator for numerous crimes charged in Clark County Superior Court, including the triple homicide suspect Brent Ward Luyster.
Scott Jackson, Chief Deputy at the Clark County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, said that he didn’t have enough information on the allegations to know if they would affect any of Harper’s current or previous cases.
“Allegations are allegations, we don’t know whether there’s any truth to the allegations,” Jackson said. “We will continue to be updated on the status of the investigation and turn over something if something needs to be turned over.”
