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KLAMATH COUNTY Details released on sexual harassment claims against Klamath sheriff Female prosecutors reported several incidents Comment By Stephen Floyd Herald and News MailTribune.com By Stephen Floyd Herald and News Posted Nov. 13, 2015 at 4:39 PM By Stephen Floyd Herald and News Posted Nov. 13, 2015 at 4:39 PM » Social News Klamath County Sheriff Frank Skrah is accused of making several sexually explicit remarks toward two female prosecutors since taking office, according to a report released Wednesday. The report was made public following a public records request submitted by the Herald and News newspaper. The request was in response to human resources complaints filed in August against Skrah. Though heavily redacted, the report details an investigation into alleged misconduct by Skrah dating back to the beginning of his term in 2013. Prepared by Jill Goldsmith of Workplace Solutions NW of Portland, the report says Skrah made inappropriate comments to members of the Klamath County District Attorney’s Office on at least two occasions while discussing grand jury proceedings. On May 2, 2013, Skrah was speaking with former Deputy DA Jody Vaughan regarding a missing police report and, during an exchange described in the report as “banter,” Vaughan said she would “beat” Skrah if he did not produce the report. Skrah then replied, according to Vaughan, “It’s OK if you beat me if you bring ropes and two cans of whipped cream.” The report noted Dennis Yaws, of Oregon State Police, was present during this exchange, though he was not interviewed for the report. On an unspecified date, Skrah was speaking with Deputy DA Sharon Forster regarding a witness for a grand jury and said Forster would “owe him” for securing the witness and “payment would come in the dark without recorders or cameras,” according to Forster. Skrah did not recall making such comments, and Goldsmith said she felt the remarks may have been an attempt at humor. “Despite the fact that Sheriff Skrah does not recall making these statements, I have no reason to believe that Vaughan and Forster are not being truthful,” wrote Goldsmith. There are several allegations of sexual harassment listed in the report. Forster accused Skrah of swatting her on the buttocks with a file or notebook during a meeting, though no witnesses could attest to this incident. Goldsmith said Skrah did not recall this event and likely did not mean it to be disrespectful. Forster said she has been called names like “darling,” “babe,” “beautiful,” and “gorgeous,” by Skrah. Former Deputy DA Cole Chase said he heard Skrah refer to Forster as “sweetheart” and “beautiful,” and on one occasion said Forster “looked good.” Vaughan said Skrah also used similar terms when referring to her, which she said were inappropriate. Chief Deputy Martin Rowley said Skrah has been heard making sexual comments about women while in private settings. During an Aug. 20, 2014, staff briefing, Skrah reportedly made offensive comments about Forster and instructed deputies to no longer speak with her directly. Forster said she had learned of this through a phone call from an unknown deputy, though no deputies present at the briefing said offensive remarks had been made. Skrah admitted he may have called Forster a “broad” or “bitch” during the meeting. “I believe the sheriff does have a tendency, from time to time, to make comments about women that would be viewed as offensive,” said Goldsmith. The investigation found Skrah was in violation of the county’s harassment-free workplace policy, though the comments may not have been intended as harmful or offensive. As a result, county administrators arranged for Skrah to meet individually with a professional trainer regarding appropriate workplace communication. Skrah told Goldsmith he considered the allegations unfounded because they had been unintentional, and went on to call Forster a “drama queen” in need of a psychological evaluation. Goldsmith clarified the harassment was found to have happened, and noted Skrah was “visibly upset” while discussing the matter as he believed himself innocent of wrongdoing. Skrah did not return requests for comment Thursday regarding details of Goldsmith’s findings. By Stephen Floyd Herald and News MailTribune.com By Stephen Floyd Herald and News Posted Nov. 13, 2015 at 4:39 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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