On Thursday October 31st, 2019, the Grants Pass Department of Public Safety was advised of an operational leak within the Public Safety Department.
Information obtained from sources linked to an ongoing criminal investigation led authorities to Grants Pass Department of Public Safety Community Service Officer Heather Corthell. Corthell is believed to have divulged intelligence that significantly hindered the investigation.
Since the leaked information was related to a joint operation involving both the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office and the Grants Pass Department of Public Safety, Detectives from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office were requested to lead the investigation.
Heather Corthell was later arrested on the following charges and lodged into the Josephine County Jail:
ORS 162.247 (a) – Interfering with a Peace Officer
ORS 162.285 – Tampering w/ Evidence.
ORS 162.325(1)(b) – Hindering Prosecution
The Grants Pass Department of Public Safety strives to promote a culture of transparency and accountability to build public trust and legitimacy.
