Document Update

Since early 2024, Sheriff Nelson launched a secret campaign aimed at damaging my reputation. This campaign has coincided with the timing of the ballot distribution for the upcoming election, making the timing of these actions suspicious. 

Throughout this period, I was never approached to provide an explanation or sign any release forms regarding the situation in La Mesa recently, as the election nears. This would have saved taxpayers $20,000+ and resolved this sooner. However, it wouldn't have served the purpose of election interference. This sequence of events reveals that the intent behind these actions was never about transparency but rather a calculated political tactic. 

The San Diego court recognized the political motivations and issued a strict protective order regarding the use of specific documents. My legal team anticipated that this court order would not be honored. And it didn’t take long. 

Over the past week, my legal team and I have thoroughly reviewed the La Mesa documents. Rather than concealing information, I want to highlight what is conspicuously missing and ignored by the media. 

Today, you can download all of my 30-year-old personal documents here;

Click Me

I had just seen these 30-year-old documents last week. While this might seem unbelievable, I was unaware of any disciplinary action during my time in La Mesa, as no such action was ever taken when I completed my program and left my volunteer position to relocate out of state.  

This is confirmed by the absence of any records or notices indicating disciplinary action, including suspensions, reprimands, or terminations. California law, like Oregon, requires due process and documentation for any disciplinary measures, even for volunteers. No such processes were followed in my case. 

The delay in the recent document release stems from my efforts to confirm this absence of disciplinary records with the City of La Mesa. To date, no additional documents have been provided. 

Any assertions that I was disciplined or terminated from La Mesa are not supported by any official records, either from La Mesa or DCSO. Again, these claims appear to be politically motivated. 

Furthermore, the La Mesa Police Department never reported any misconduct to the California Commission on Police Officer Standards and Training, which oversees the volunteer officer licensure, or Grossmont College or my volunteer coordinator. My status with all remains in good standing today. 

As Election Day approaches, I anticipate further misinformation campaigns from my opponent and administration. It is evident that DCSO and my political rivals are selectively providing media outlets with false narratives intended to distract and mislead voters.  

I deeply appreciate your continued support as we stay focused on running a campaign that aims to elevate the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office to a world-class standard. 

Thank you for standing with me. 

Sincerely, 

Kent Vander Kamp