A state committee recommended Tuesday that Multnomah County Sheriff Bernie Giusto's safety certification be revoked.

Multnomah County Sheriff Bernie Giusto. (KGW Photo)

The recommendation comes after an investigation into Giusto's conduct during the years when he worked for the Oregon State Police and was assigned as a bodyguard to then governor Neil Goldschmidt.

The committee reports to the state Department of Public Safety Standards and Training and took the vote in Salem Tuesday afternoon.

Background: Former boss says he confronted Giusto about affair

Goldschmidt admitted in 2004 that he had sex with a teenage girl when he was mayor of Portland in the 1970s, leading to allegations that Giusto knew about it and helped cover it up.

Former staffers and confidantes also said Giusto had an affair with the governor's then wife Margie, then was transferred to other duties.

At issue was if he lied to his bosses when questioned about the relationship or more recently to reporters when they asked about the circumstances surrounding his transfer.

Giusto has denied any wrongdoing.

The recommendation now goes to the DPSST. Giusto's attorney told KGW he expected the recommendations to be approved.

"For all practical purposes, what these committees recommend becomes the de facto final answer," attorney Bruce McCain told KGW. McCain said he expected Giusto to contest the finding, and a contested case hearing could extend the process for another year.

Asked if he thought Sheriff Giusto would step down as a result of the recommendation, McCain suggested the Sheriff might actually stay longer in his job in order to fight to keep his badge.

"I don't think at all that Sheriff Giusto, and this is his choice, that he will step down with his certification still pending," said McCain.