Misconduct allegations against former Eugene police officer were justified, investigation finds | Local

EUGENE, Ore. – An investigation by the Eugene Police Department’s Internal Affairs Division and Eugene city officials found allegations of misconduct made against a former police officer were justified.

Former Eugene police officer and SWAT team member Judson Warden faced disciplinary action last year after he was accused of showing an inappropriate photo of himself to other officers in the department and making sexual comments in the workplace. Warden was also accused in April 2023 of inappropriately inspecting and touching a colleague’s duty belt. An internal complaint was filed this month and the incident was deemed an allegation of misconduct by the city’s independent police auditor. EPD’s Internal Affairs Division and the City of Eugene Employee Resource Center investigated the incident and at the conclusion of the investigation, all eight charges, including seven of misconduct and one of violating the City’s respectful work environment, were upheld. The supervisor was suspended for 40 hours and required to sign a “last chance” agreement with the city stating that any future similar persistent allegations would result in his immediate dismissal. In February 2024, Warden received his disciplinary document and the city’s Civilian Review Board heard the case at its meeting that month.

On May 8, Melinda McLaughlin, an EPD spokeswoman, confirmed that Warden is no longer employed by the Eugene Police Department.

Chelsea Deffenbacher joined KEZI 9 News in January 2024 as a morning news anchor and reporter. If you have a story idea for Chelsea, you can email her at: [email protected].