Oregon deputy accuses Multnomah County sheriff of sexual harassment

PORTLAND -- A top deputy has filed a notice of her intent to sue Multnomah County Sheriff Dan Staton, alleging sexual harassment.

In a claim notice, the attorney for Linda Yankee says Staton touched the deputy inappropriately, call her stupid and frequently made sexual comments in front of her.  The notice also says the sheriff insulted people based on their weight and used inappropriate language when talking about District Attorney Rod Underhill, two county attorneys and others.

The claim alleges the sheriff demoted Yankee because of gender and medical issues.

The claim notice was first reported by Willamette Week.  A county spokesman told the newspaper the sheriff can't discuss pending litigation.

The Oregonian reports that Yankee intends to seek money for lost wages, loss of career advancement and emotional distress.