Associated Press

KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. - Klamath County officials have asked Sheriff Frank Skrah to go on leave in light of an ongoing state criminal investigation, newly released documents show.

The Klamath County Board of Commissioners Wednesday released a letter in which they ask the sheriff to go on paid administrative leave so that seven deputies who were placed on paid administrative leave at their request could return to work. The letter was sent to the sheriff's attorney Tuesday.

Skrah did not immediately return calls for comment regarding whether he would go on leave. In a previously released statement, the sheriff said he has not been interviewed by investigators from the Oregon Department of Justice and has not been told what the investigation is about. He added he has pledged his cooperation.

County Commissioner Kelley Minty Morris said Wednesday evening the board does not have the authority to put the sheriff on leave.

"As an independent elected official, his 'boss' is the public, not the board," she said.

Becky Gallagher, a Eugene lawyer who represents the Klamath County Peace Officers' Association, said the deputies' union had gone to the county last week asking to put the deputies on paid leave for their protection.