Union releases list of applicants for interim Deschutes County sheriff

Published 9:47 am Wednesday, July 2, 2025

The Deschutes County Sheriff Employee’s Association has released a list of applicants for interim sheriff who will speak at the union’s informal debate Monday night.

According to union president Danny Graham, the list includes: 

• Deschutes County Undersheriff Aaron Wells
• Sheriff’s office Detective and Special Services Commander Ty Rupert
• Sheriff’s office Detective Lt. James McLaughlin
• Deron McMaster, a former Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office captain 
• Cory Darling, Central Oregon Community College director of campus safety and emergency management.

The panel will take place at 6:30 p.m. on Monday at the Bend Elks Lodge. The public is encouraged to attend.

The applicants are vying to replace outgoing Deschutes County Sheriff Kent van Kamp, who resigned in June under a cloud of ethics violations including lying under oath in Deschutes County Circuit Court and submitting false documents about his employment background. The Deschutes County Commission will appoint an interim sheriff and is asking applicants to submit their applications and a written statement for consideration by July 11.

“This event – and the person appointed –  is very important for the future of our office. Both the employees and county commissioners understand the importance of choosing a thoroughly vetted candidate to help lead us and to heal and continue the professionalism the men and women of our agency display as well as how we serve the community. Ultimately the decision is up to the commissioners, but their inclusion of the association members’ input shows they want to work together to move forward and truly care about us.”

Applicants are required to meet the same minimum qualifications as if they would to run for the elected position. That means they must be: at least 21 years old, certified or eligible for certification as a law enforcement officer with the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training and have at least four years of experience in law enforcement. 

Kimberly Katchur, public information officer for Deschutes County, confirmed that none of the prospective applicants have submitted their applications or written statements yet.

Aaron Wells

Aaron Wells.

Wells was appointed as undersheriff by van der Kamp shortly after he took office on Jan. 1. He is a former captain with the Redmond Police Department and has 18 years of law enforcement experience. Before working in law enforcement, Wells worked as a pastor and construction worker. He also holds a degree from Oregon State University.

Ty Rupert

Ty Rupert.

Rupert joined the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office in 2005. Prior to his career in law enforcement, he spent 15 years in the private sector, where he was vice president at Fuel Safe Systems managing the company’s operations, manufacturing, sales, finance, marketing and product development. In 1991, he was honorably discharged from the U.S. Marine Corps.

James McLaughlin

Deschutes County Sheriff’s Detective Sgt. James McLaughlin testifies during a hearing in Judge Alison Emerson’s courtroom at Deschutes County Circuit Court in Bend on Friday.

McLaughlin has been with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office since 2007. Initially, McLaughlin was a civilian employee, but became a deputy in 2008. In 2019 he was promoted to sergeant and earlier this year he was promoted to detective lieutenant.

McLaughlin made headlines during the 2024 sheriff election when he filed a tort claim notice — the official notification sent to public agencies of a potential lawsuit — saying he was going to sue the sheriff’s office for retaliation because of his interest in unionization and political affiliations. During the campaign, McLaughlin was a staunch supporter of van der Kamp.

Deron McMaster

Deron McMaster

McMaster began working with the sheriff’s office in 1993. Over his 28-year career with the agency, he rose through the ranks to become a captain in 2015, but was demoted back to lieutenant in 2021 after he allegedly failed to report another officer’s misconduct. McMaster later sued the sheriff’s office, saying he was retaliated against by former Sheriff Shane Nelson to cover up for his own misconduct in the case. In 2024, McMaster settled with the county for $265,000.

Cory Darling

Cory Darling.

Darling is the director of campus safety and emergency management for Central Oregon Community College. Prior to that position, he worked in law enforcement for 35 years, including with the Central Oregon Emergency Response Team and as the chief of the Sunriver Police Department. His focus has been on training, crisis intervention, emergency preparedness and community partnerships.

Darling was born and raised in Idaho, but moved to Bend in 1984. He has a bachelor’s degree from the American Military University in criminal justice and is a graduate from the FBI National Academy. Darling serves on the board of directors for the KIDS Center, the Oregon Association Chiefs of Police and the Oregon Fallen Badge Association.