In his April 8 letter to the Acorn, Geoff Dean made accusations against sheriff ’s staff and personnel that must be addressed. As your sheriff for the last 12 years, I must take exception to Dean’s attempt to minimize the misconduct that led to his termination by claiming that his discipline was politically motivated.

Dean claimed that his misconduct was minor. Dishonesty is a terminal offense for any deputy sheriff because trust is an absolute requirement. His personal ambition caused him to betray my trust in order to gain an unfair advantage over his potential political opponent.

Dean alleged that he was punished for announcing he was going to run after I announced my retirement. His politically motivated misconduct occurred many months before I made a final decision to retire.

Dean stated that I had a favorite candidate who did the same thing he did without consequence. His opponent at that time, Chris Godfrey, did nothing dishonest and was never given my support.

Dean wrote that an independent investigation saved his job. The Civil Service Commission didn’t conduct an investigation of any kind, nor may they do so by law.

Dean claimed he accepted a voluntary demotion. When the Civil Service Commission overturned his termination the next level of discipline, a demotion, automatically took effect.

The most troubling thing is that Dean accused Diane White of making comments in your article that aren’t supported by her testimony. Attacking the person who suffered the most because of his misconduct is shameful, and his claim is inaccurate.

Ms. White has consistently stated, “Geoff Dean tried to take something he knew he was not entitled to, without permission.”

I believe the character of your next sheriff is the major issue in this election.

Ventura County voters deserve a sheriff they can trust. I have no desire or ability to make that decision for you, but you at least deserve to make your decision based on the facts. You’ll have to decide whether Geoff Dean or Dennis Carpenter can best provide the moral leadership our community deserves.

Bob Brooks

Brooks is the Ventura County sheriff.