Statement regarding mayor and law enforcement

The city has received a number of inquires regarding the comments made at the last council meeting regarding the Mayor and law enforcement. This information is provided to provide a factual basis for those comments, and is intended to satisfy those inquiries providing factual documentation regarding the events which occurred, in compliance with ORS 192.345(3). 

What was the incident?

On Wednesday Oct 15th, the Mayor stated that she took a citizen past the ‘do not trespass’ signs of a public facility to explore what the citizen claimed was unlawful dumping of material. This was unlawful trespassing - elected officials do not enjoy unlimited access to city owned utility facilities without escort. Had anyone been injured the city could have been subject to a civil claim which may not have been covered by insurance since it was an illegal act, potentially putting significant financial burden on taxpayers. 

Subsequently, on Oct 16th, the Mayor called the Department of Environmental Quality to report a potential violation. They directed her to call the Oregon State Police, who then directed her to the local Lincoln County Sheriff Deputy. The deputy conducted an investigation, and concluded that no law seems to have been broken by the city. The reports from the LCSO follows:

On Oct 16th 2025, the mayor attended a council workshop in which a detailed accounting of the easements was given by the city planner and city attorney. At no time was a ‘general public easement’ on the property the mayor describes discussed, nor does one exist. 

On Oct 21st, the city was apprised by a citizen of a group trespassing on this restricted city property, bypassing the city’s no trespassing signs. LCSO was called and asked to investigate. During this interview, the information was entered into the report:

1st Claim: DEQ told her her to contact Protect Oregon Watershed.

False: The city contacted DEQ, as in prior dealings, we have never head of DEQ directing someone to contact a third-party environmental advocacy agency. After speaking with multiple people at DEQ, the city received multiple responses, essentially stating that DEQ does not advise people to do as the mayor suggests as they generally conduct their own interview. 

and:

Upon further investigation by the city, it was determined that Protect Oregon Watershed is an organization started in 2023, whose president is Tianne Rios (Oregon Business registry 2182915-99). Ms. Rios has previously been under investigation by the city for fraudulent activities related to her actions with various non-profits. 

2nd Claim: The Mayor told the Council and public at the November 13th meeting that Deputy Dorsey told her it was public property.

False: The city inquired as to the Body Camera audio from the interview with the Mayor and Deputy (now Sgt) Dorsey. In that audio, provided here, the mayor clearly states to Deputy Dorsey that she was told by Officer Severson of the OSP, that the 'signage was not right and that access was allowed'. This contradicts her statement to the council and public. OSP has denied this conversation took place with the Mayor. At no point does Deputy Dorsey tell her its public property.  

3rd Claim: Mayor Lambert told Deputy Dorsey (above) during the LCSO investigation that State Trooper Severson told her it was public access and that signage was not right. 

False:  Statements from Lt. Vertner of the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office on December 4th, 2025:

"I do believe based upon our investigation and information at this time Heidi Lambert was untruthful or misrepresented how or why she gave permission to others regarding access to public property that was clearly posted no trespassing."

"Based upon our investigation we know Trooper Severson did not have a known conversation with Heidi Lambert."