Former sheriff's deputy charged with official misconduct

MEDFORD, Ore.– A former Jackson County Sheriff’s Office deputy is being charged with official misconduct in the first degree.

Todd French, 41, appeared in court Monday for a pre-trial conference hearing regarding the Class A misdemeanor charge.

According to Jackson County Circuit Court records, an indictment stated that on or between May 20 and June 18 of this year French, “being a public servant, to-wit: a Sheriff’s Deputy employed by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department, did unlawfully and knowingly perform an act, which act constituted an unauthorized exercise of his official duties, with intent to obtain a benefit.”

According to Jackson County District Attorney Beth Heckert, since French was a public servant the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office will be handling the prosecution so as to avoid any conflict of interest.

French as well is no longer a part of the sheriff’s office.

Both Heckert and Douglas County Deputy District Attorney Ian Ross, who is handling the case, refused to comment as it is a pending case.

French is expected to enter a plea on Wednesday.