John Kroger (D)
SALEM, Ore. (Legal Newsline)-Oregon's first-ever environmental crimes prosecutor resigned this week, after admitting to wrongdoing in a criminal case, the state attorney general said.
Oregon Attorney General John Kroger said Tuesday that Brent Foster, his special counsel on environmental issues, stepped down after admitting to misrepresenting his involvement in the investigation of a criminal case.
The investigation involved Hood River Juice. The processor company and its owner are accused of water pollution violations and providing false information to an agent.
Kroger said he has referred Foster's matter to Marion County District Attorney Walt Beglau for possible investigation.
"It is crucial that all members of the Department of Justice maintain the highest professional standards," Kroger said in a statement.
Foster was the director of conservation group Columbia Riverkeeper until Kroger hired him in December 2008. He has been a staunch opponent of liquefied natural gas terminals in Oregon.
From Legal Newsline: Reach staff reporter Chris Rizo at chrisrizo@legalnewsline.com.