Off-Duty Klamath Deputy Arrested for DUII and Reporting a False Kidnapping

Klamath Falls, Oregon, An off-duty Klamath County sheriff’s deputy was arrested early Thursday morning after allegedly making a false report of being kidnapped and was later found to be under the influence of alcohol, officials said.

Deputy Jacob Brandt called 9-1-1 at approximately 1:32 a.m. on June 6, reporting that he had been abducted at gunpoint by three Hispanic males and was being held at the Pilot Travel Center located at 3817 Highway 97 in Klamath Falls. Brandt claimed the suspects had sent him inside the store to retrieve snacks.

Law enforcement officers from the Klamath Falls Police Department, Oregon State Police, and the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office responded immediately and searched the area. However, no individuals matching Brandt’s description of the suspects were found.

Upon reviewing surveillance footage and conducting a preliminary investigation, authorities discovered inconsistencies in Brandt’s account. He was determined to be under the influence of alcohol and was taken into custody for Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants (DUII).

Due to state-imposed jail capacity restrictions, Brandt was cited and released from the Klamath County Jail.

The allegation of Initiating a False Report remains under investigation.

Brandt has been placed on administrative leave, and the sheriff’s office stated that appropriate disciplinary actions will follow based on the investigation’s findings.

“The Klamath County Sheriff’s Office holds its members to the highest standards of conduct,” the agency said in a statement. “We remain committed to transparency and accountability to the public we serve.”