MILWAUKIE, Ore. — A former Milwaukie police officer has pleaded no contest to a charge of first-degree official misconduct, marking the end of his career in law enforcement following allegations of serious misconduct while on duty.
Plea and Sentencing
Court documents show that David Michael McVeigh entered the plea earlier this year. As part of the resolution, McVeigh also surrendered his state certification to serve as a police officer, permanently barring him from returning to the profession.
In January, a judge ordered McVeigh to perform 150 hours of community service within one year as part of his sentence.
Allegations of Misconduct
The charges stemmed from a 2023 investigation in which McVeigh was accused of engaging in sexual contact with an individual while on duty. The Milwaukie Police Department launched an internal review after learning of the allegation.
Following the inquiry, McVeigh was terminated from the department. His case was subsequently referred to prosecutors, who brought a charge of first-degree official misconduct — a crime that occurs when a public servant knowingly fails to perform their duty or abuses their position for personal gain.
Department Response
Milwaukie police officials said they took immediate action once the allegation surfaced, emphasizing that misconduct of this nature undermines public trust. “When allegations of criminal behavior are brought to our attention, especially involving an officer, we take them very seriously,” a spokesperson for the department said.
The department also noted that McVeigh’s firing was in line with its commitment to accountability and professional standards.
Broader Impact
Cases of misconduct within law enforcement often draw heightened public scrutiny, as officers are entrusted with upholding the law and protecting community safety. While McVeigh’s actions were attributed to one individual, officials acknowledged the damage that such incidents can cause to the credibility of the police force as a whole.
Community members have previously expressed concerns about misconduct eroding confidence in local institutions, especially when it involves those in positions of authority. Officials hope that McVeigh’s prosecution and the department’s swift response will reaffirm the principle that no one is above the law.
Next Steps
McVeigh will be required to complete his court-ordered community service hours by early 2025. Failure to meet the requirement could result in further penalties.
With his certification surrendered and conviction entered, McVeigh is not eligible to work in law enforcement in Oregon or elsewhere.
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