Mike Riese

Del Norte County’s top administrator asked District Attorney Mike Riese last November to take time off because of concerns over his prescription drug use and strange behavior in the workplace.In a letter recently obtained by The Daily Triplicate, then-County Administrative Officer Jeannine Galatioto told Riese his employees felt uncomfortable, intimidated and threatened by his conduct in the office, and they feared retaliation from him if they spoke out.

On Friday, Assistant District Attorney Katherine Micks said Riese is now working on a modified schedule in which he will spend most of his time at home preparing for two upcoming homicide trials and his re-election campaign. She said Riese did not take time away from the office the last time he ran for re-election.

It is unclear if the new schedule is related to Galatioto’s letter.

Riese could not be reached for comment. He did not respond to several messages left on his cell phone and home phone, an e-mail, and a note left on the front door of his residence.

Galatioto’s two-page letter to Riese was sent to each member of the Board of Supervisors and Del Norte County Sheriff Dean Wilson. In it, she states Riese had violated the county’s drug-free workplace and violence prevention policies, and urged him to take a voluntary leave of absence until he was “medically well enough” to continue his duties.

“Your erratic behavior over the last few months has demonstrated the need for you to seek medical assistance,” the letter states. “You have demonstrated during work hours the following behaviors; impaired motor skills, severe mood swings and unprofessional conduct which are threatening to others, all of which lead to a suspicion that you are working while under the influence.

“By your own admission you are under medical care and taking various prescription medications that impair your judgment and cause erratic behavior. This has led to employees being intimidated by your words and conduct. Employees are uncomfortable in your presence while you are exhibiting said behavior and fear retaliation for speaking out or reporting your behavior to authorities or administrators.”

Galatioto has since retired, and her replacement, Jay Sarina, said Friday that there have not been any formal complaints filed regarding Riese.

“At this point, grievances and such are the proper procedure,” Sarina said, “and we don’t have any grievances filed at this point.”

Galatioto’s letter also stated that as an elected official, Riese could take time off without the loss of compensation. In addition, she asked Riese to “refrain from driving county vehicles until further notice.”

There have been concerns over Riese’s behavior for at least the past six months. In September, some of his employees took him to Sutter Coast Hospital after he became overheated and took off his shirt. He later blamed the episode on pneumonia- and pleurisy-related health problems.

Two months later, Riese was given a field sobriety test by Crescent City Police officers after they received an anonymous tip that he was driving under the influence. He was confronted while he was at Burtschells’ Floor Covering on U.S. Highway 101, and after being given the sobriety test,  Police Chief Doug Plack said he asked Riese to have someone pick him up and drive him and his vehicle home.

In the police report for this incident, Plack wrote that Riese was “showing signs of intoxication without the presence of any alcoholic beverage emanating from his breath.” Plack’s report also stated that Riese’s eyes were dilated, his speech was slow, his face was pale and his demeanor was “pleasant and cooperative.”

According to the report, Riese denied being under the influence of any medication and told Plack he wasn’t getting much sleep because he was working on his house at night and prosecuting cases during the day.

Galatioto’s letter asking Riese to take time off was written the following day. The Daily Triplicate requested the letter from Del Norte County under the California Public Records Act and the county attorney acknowledged its existence but withheld it in its entirety.

Riese is currently running for re-election. In the June primary he will face three challengers: Jon Alexander, Harry Liddicote and Robert Drossel. None of the challengers works in the District Attorney’s Office.