More allegations surface against Doa Ana County Undersheriff Ken Roberts

Several employees within the Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Office have filed complaints against Undersheriff Ken Roberts in recent years, alleging racial and sexual discrimination, records obtained by ABC-7 state.

“One day, when I wore a dress to work, the Undersheriff winked at me,” wrote a woman who filed a complaint. “It was offensive. He would not have winked at a man.”

The employee, who worked for the sheriff’s office for seven years, claimed in the complaint that Roberts treated women differently than men in the office.

“Undersheriff Ken Roberts (is) biased against females, treated females worse than males, and (doesn’t) like having females in positions of authority,” the employee complained.

The woman also complained administrators within the sheriff’s office did not follow standard protocol for discrimination claims and “engaged in discriminatory treatment favoring Hispanics.”

On November 22, 2017, ABC-7 first reported the undersheriff was on paid administrative leave, but no official within the sheriff’s department or the County could confirm why. Officials confirm the undersheriff is still on paid administrative leave.

In December, ABC-7 also reported that Roberts was facing other sexual harassment allegations.

One employee accused Undersheriff Roberts of going into her office and closing the door, he “locked it and sat on (her) lap, shook his butt a little while on her lap and got off.” He then allegedly said, “I just had to do that.”

Roberts was sworn in as undersheriff in July 2016. He has more than 25 years experience in law enforcement.

Undersheriff Roberts hast not yet responded to a voicemail seeking comment.

Officials within the department chose not to comment on the allegations.