Misconduct Within the Ranks
Two veteran officers from the Portland Police Bureau — Mark Ellison and Michele Vergara — have left the department under serious misconduct allegations. Ellison admitted to using cocaine for several months, while Vergara was accused of deleting nearly 3,000 critical police files after a dispute with her supervisors.
Both cases have raised questions about accountability within the bureau, which is already struggling to rebuild its workforce following years of retirements and resignations.
A Troubled Force Facing Shortages
Since the beginning of 2024, 11 officers have departed the Portland Police Bureau while facing potential termination. Although the department allows officers to resign or retire before formal discipline, all investigations are still referred to Oregon’s police certification agency.
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These disciplinary exits are small in number compared to the bureau’s total of more than 800 officers, but they complicate efforts by Police Chief Bob Day to strengthen the force. Since taking over in 2023, Day has pushed for more funding and set an ambitious goal to expand staffing to 1,000 officers.
The bureau made progress in September 2024 by hiring 22 new officers — the largest training class in years — but high-profile discipline cases continue to offset those gains.
City Releases Records After Legal Battle
Initially, the City of Portland refused to disclose details about why Vergara was facing termination. It only released the investigative reports after The Oregonian/OregonLive won a public records appeal.
According to city payroll data, Vergara earned $78,741 in 2022, while Ellison’s 2024 salary reached $104,601. Both officers ultimately left the force before final disciplinary decisions were issued — Vergara in July 2024 and Ellison in August. Neither provided comment to reporters.
Cocaine Use and Prior Misconduct
Internal records show that Ellison, an 11-year veteran, came under investigation in October 2023 after a citizen reported he was using cocaine. Two narcotics officers looked into the complaint and found that Ellison frequented local bars and clubs.
In January 2024, Ellison admitted to Internal Affairs that he had been using cocaine “off and on” for several months. He said he first discovered the drug inside a bar bathroom, claiming he found a full baggie after someone else left it behind.
Calling the decision to take the cocaine “very spontaneous,” Ellison told investigators he was in severe debt and facing the loss of his home. He described using the drug to help him “be more social” and overcome shyness.
“I admit I have a problem,” he said. “I’m sorry.”
Records also reveal that Ellison had a history of disciplinary issues. In 2018, then-Chief Danielle Outlaw issued him a written reprimand for allowing a woman to pose for photos on his patrol car. That same year, he was suspended for 40 hours without pay for improperly involving himself in a missing-persons case involving a family member.
The Police Review Board voted unanimously in 2024 to terminate Ellison for violating the department’s drug policy.
Data Deletion Scandal Involving Personnel Files
Vergara, a 14-year veteran, faced allegations of misconduct after she deleted thousands of files from a police server. The incident occurred on September 30, 2022, when Capt. Rob Simon, now North Precinct commander, informed her of a reassignment from administrative duties to patrol.
According to Simon, Vergara became visibly upset during the conversation, using expletives and calling the decision “ridiculous” before referring to him as “a snake.” She then returned to her cubicle and began deleting files. A sergeant had to escort her out of the building.
Investigators later determined that Vergara deleted approximately 2,900 files, many related to hiring and retention. Simon told Internal Affairs he believed her actions were intended to “sabotage” the personnel division.
Fortunately, an IT analyst was able to recover the files. Still, Simon said the deletions could have placed the bureau “in a very precarious position” if the data had been lost permanently.
Vergara’s Defense and Resignation
During her Internal Affairs interview, Vergara stated she felt “blindsided” by the reassignment and was emotionally distraught. She insisted that she believed she was deleting her personal files, not documents vital to other employees.
Despite her explanation, the Police Review Board determined that her actions could have seriously harmed the bureau’s operations. Investigator Stacey Rovinelli wrote that the deletions “would have, essentially, caused a work stoppage for an extended period of time had they not been recovered.”
The board moved toward recommending termination, but Vergara resigned on July 8, 2024, before a final decision was issued.
Broader Impact on the Bureau
While the departures of Ellison and Vergara represent only a small fraction of the bureau’s staff, they add to the perception of instability within the department. The incidents come at a time when the city is under pressure to restore public trust in law enforcement following years of controversy over police conduct and accountability.
Chief Day has emphasized the need for integrity and professionalism in rebuilding the bureau’s image. The latest disciplinary cases highlight the challenges of balancing recruitment and retention while enforcing strict ethical standards.
Conclusion
The resignations of Officers Mark Ellison and Michele Vergara underscore deeper issues within the Portland Police Bureau — from personal misconduct to professional accountability. While the department continues to rebuild, these cases serve as reminders that transparency and oversight remain essential for restoring confidence in Portland’s law enforcement system.
