PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT FROM CITY MANAGER, DAN HUFF & POLICE CHIEF, CHRIS LONG - MAY 13, 2025

May 13, 2025

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT FROM CITY MANAGER, DAN HUFF & POLICE CHIEF, CHRIS LONG

Today the City of Molalla learned of the criminal indictment and arrest of Molalla City Councilor, RaeLynn Botsford.

Upon responding to a call of theft on August 21, 2024, and learning that the possible suspect was a City Councilor, the Molalla Police Department immediately contacted the Canby Police Department and requested that they take over the investigation to avoid conflicts of interest.  This practice is Molalla Police Department protocol.

The City’s Charter, which is adopted by the voters, does not preclude an elected officer from continuing to serve while under indictment, but it does contain removal provisions upon certain convictions.  To that end, the City will not take any official action related to this matter while the criminal process plays out.  Once it is concluded, the City will assess its roles and responsibilities as dictated by the charter.  

To be clear, Councilor Botsford plays no role in directly managing the City’s funds.  Those tasks are performed at the staff level, with multiple checks and balances put into place to ensure the security of City funds.  These processes have been reviewed and approved by State Certified independent auditors, and we are confident that no misuse of City funds has occurred.

The City will not engage with the public on this issue. For any questions or inquiries regarding the investigation, please contact the Canby Police Department at (503) 266-1104.

Dan Huff, City Manager

Chris Long, Police Chief