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Chelan Today
By the People, for the People
New Tort Claims Filed Against Chelan Sheriff
Allegations of retaliation and harassment add to ongoing disputes within the department
Apr. 15, 2026 at 8:10pm
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Allegations of misconduct and retaliation within the Chelan County Sheriff's Office expose deep divisions within the department.Chelan TodayTwo more employees of the Chelan County Sheriff's Office have filed $20 million in tort claims, alleging retaliation, harassment, and misconduct by Sheriff Mike Morrison and Undersheriff Dan Ozment. The claims mirror previous allegations of political divisions and internal conflicts within the department.
Why it matters
These new tort claims add to the growing legal pressure on the Chelan County Sheriff's Office, which is already facing a federal lawsuit from other deputies over similar allegations of retaliation and abuse of power. The disputes within the department raise concerns about the leadership and management of the law enforcement agency.
The details
Sergeant Lee Risdon and Deputy Cole Soreano filed the tort claims earlier this month, alleging that Morrison and Ozment have led 'a sustained campaign' to undermine their credibility, discipline them without cause, remove them from leadership positions, damage their reputations, and ultimately force them out of law enforcement. Risdon's claim also mentions an incident where Ozment allegedly yelled at him and other supervisors in a meeting. Soreano's claim refers to an incident where a deputy allegedly assaulted his daughter, and claims the sheriff's office 'omitted and fabricated information, refused to conduct an investigation, and minimized the conduct'.
- The tort claims were filed earlier this month.
- Risdon's claim mentions a June 7, 2023 supervisor meeting where Ozment allegedly yelled at him and other supervisors.
- Soreano's claim refers to an incident in May 2023 where a deputy allegedly assaulted his daughter.
The players
Mike Morrison
The current sheriff of Chelan County, Washington.
Dan Ozment
The undersheriff of Chelan County, Washington.
Lee Risdon
A sergeant with the Chelan County Sheriff's Office who filed a $10 million tort claim.
Cole Soreano
A deputy with the Chelan County Sheriff's Office who filed a $10 million tort claim.
Brian Burnett
The former sheriff of Chelan County, Washington who ran against Mike Morrison in an election.
What they’re saying
“I have full confidence in the process and look forward to the opportunity to formally respond through the appropriate channels. In the meantime, we will continue to serve our community and treat all citizens and employees with professionalism while protecting their constitutional rights.”
— Mike Morrison, Sheriff
What’s next
The judge will need to decide whether to allow the tort claims to proceed against the Chelan County Sheriff's Office.
The takeaway
These new allegations of retaliation, harassment, and misconduct within the Chelan County Sheriff's Office highlight the ongoing turmoil and divisions within the department, raising concerns about the leadership and management of the law enforcement agency.
