WCSO sergeant resigns after misconduct conviction

HILLSBORO, Ore. (KOIN) — A former sergeant with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office was convicted Thursday of first-degree official misconduct.

Daniel Cardinal resigned in May after the sheriff’s office got an anonymous email alleging Cardinal, amongst others, engaged in misconduct. Authorities have not released specific information about the misconduct.

By entering a no contest plea, Cardinal is not admitting guilt.

The investigation was handled by the Portland Police Bureau and prosecuted by the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office.

In a press release, the sheriff’s office said Cardinal appeared in Washington County Circuit Court on Thursday to enter his plea. His sentence will include 2 years of bench probation, $200 in court fines and his police certification with the state will be revoked.

Sheriff Pat Garrett stated: “I remain committed to maintaining very high professional standards, and I fully support decertification of any officer who violates the trust of the community, and this agency by engaging in criminal misconduct.”