SALEM, Ore. — Rep. Mike Nearman (R-Independence), still in the midst of a criminal investigation after allegedly letting far-right demonstrators inside the Oregon Capitol, has been hit with a $2,700 bill by the capitol's legislative administration.
Nearman is accused of letting demonstrators into the Capitol during a one-day special session on Dec. 21, 2020. An investigation into Nearman's actions is underway by Oregon State Police, and dozens of lawmakers and business and community leaders have called for his resignation.
The $2,700 bill includes damages to a vestibule leading into the Capitol, where Rep. Nearman is seen on surveillance video opening the door to allow protesters inside.
The bill includes the following:
- $2,108 for contractor repairs
- $392 for a door closer
- $132 for paint
- $79.99 for a soap dispenser
It remains unclear whether Rep. Nearman will pay those fines. Brett Hanes, the state’s interim legislative administrator, told Oregon Public Broadcasting the state can't withdraw those fines from Rep. Nearman's paycheck without his permission.
Rep. Nearman has been stripped of his committee assignments by Speaker Tina Kotek, who also filed a workplace complaint against him.