February 11, 2023 8:00 a.m.

On Friday, Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum announced that the Criminal Division of the Oregon Department of Justice, is opening a criminal investigation into the matter involving alleged ethics violations related to the purchase of liquor by some staff of the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission, and possibly others.

Rosenblum said in light of this decision, the civil investigation requested Wednesday by Governor Tina Kotek will be delayed until the completion of the criminal investigation.