An internal investigation is also underway to determine if any department procedures were violated.
(SALEM) - Salem Police Officer Robb McCracken pled guilty this morning to one count of Official Misconduct in the First Degree (ORS 162.415).
The charges stem from an inappropriate personal relationship McCracken developed with the mother of a crime victim while he was on duty.
He resigned from the Salem Police Department effective today, prior to his appearance in Marion County Circuit Court.
McCracken was relieved of his duties and placed on paid administrative leave on Friday, January 26th.
An internal investigation is also underway to determine if any department procedures were violated.
The 42-year-old McCracken had been a Salem Police officer for nearly seven years.
He has been assigned to the Patrol Division and most recently as a detective.
Salem police spokesman Lt. Bill Kohlmeyer said the allegations came to light when the mother of a crime victim told her counselor about the relationship which developed while McCracken was investigating a case in which her daughter was a victim.
Due to a potential conflict of interest we asked the Oregon State Police to investigate.
Also, due to a potential conflict the Marion County District Attorney's Office asked the Washington County District Attorneys's Office to handle the case.
Allegations of criminal misconduct by a Salem Police Officer are very rare and are taken very seriously.
The information came forward on January 3rd and the State Police were contacted immediately Kohlmeyer said.
Police Chief Jerry Moore said, "I am concerned anytime a police officer is alleged to be involved in criminal wrong doing or inappropriate behavior. We hold our employees to very high standards, which is why we immediately asked for an outside agency to investigate the allegations of criminal misconduct.
"Our officers recognize the trust and high expectations the community has in us, and we'll continue to work hard to maintain that. I'm disappointed we had to deal with this situation, but I'm proud of the way we did so."
Source: Marion County Sheriff's Office
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Salem Police Officer Pleads Guilty to Official MisconductSalem-News.com