HILLSBORO, Ore. — Washington County Sheriff Pat Garrett has dismissed an officer who was no longer acceptable to the district attorney’s office as a witness because a jury found he had fabricated evidence.
But, the Oregonian reports Garrett said that laying off Miguel Monico was not a disciplinary action, and he complimented Monico on his service. Garrett said Monico would be eligible for reinstatement if his status with prosecutors changes in the next 18 months.
In September, a federal jury awarded a man arrested in a drug case $30,000 after white powder in his house tested negative for cocaine. After that, District Attorney Bob Hermann said his office had lost confidence in Monico.
Monico’s lawyer has questioned the jury’s decision and said Monico would challenge the sheriff’s decision.
