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Whatcom County undersheriff returns to duty as unspecified investigation ends

Whatcom County undersheriff returns to duty as unspecified investigation ends

Photo: Saga Communications/Dave Walker


WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Whatcom County Undersheriff Steve Harris is back on duty following an unspecified investigation.

Whatcom County Sheriff Donnell “Tank” Tanksley said in a statement that Harris has been reinstated effective Friday, Nov. 1.

Harris was placed on paid administrative leave on Aug. 30 after Sheriff Tanksley and the Human Resources Department received unspecified complaints that led to an independent investigation.

Tanksley now says the investigation has ended and that he’s “taking measures to address the concerns” that were expressed. The Sheriff’s Office has not disclosed any details surrounding the investigation, except that it did not include criminal allegations.

Tanksley promoted Harris to second-in-command in December 2023 after he was elected as the county’s new sheriff.

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