Ex-sheriff’s corporal admits choking deputy

PORTLAND – A Washington County Sheriff’s Office corporal who was fired last year over domestic violence allegations has pleaded guilty to choking a fellow employee.

The Oregonian/OregonLive reported Jonathan Christensen pleaded guilty Tuesday to coercion, strangulation and official misconduct. An assault charge against him will be dropped as part of his plea deal with prosecutors.

Attorney Steven Myers says Christensen could avoid jail time if the court accepts the plea agreement.

Christensen was fired last August and indicted on the charges in December.

According to his termination letter, a former romantic partner and sheriff’s office deputy was granted a restraining order against Christensen. The woman said he grabbed her hair, shoved her against a wall and grabbed her around the neck when she tried to end the relationship.