By US~Observer Staff
Enterprise / La Grande, Oregon — US~Observer has received complaints concerning Rene’ Layton, a long-time employee of the Wallowa County District Attorney’s Office, and her handling of her late father’s estate. According to the complaints and materials reviewed, it is alleged “Rene’ Layton systematically abused her official position inside the Wallowa County District Attorney’s Office to manufacture false criminal charges against her own sister”, Loretta Tye. The purpose, the complaints state, was clear: eliminate opposition, silence anyone who questioned her, and seize total control of the Tye family estate and assets. These actions reportedly began while their father was still alive and mentally compromised. Rene’ Layton is alleged to have deliberately pushed family members aside so she could consolidate complete power over his property.
Rene’ Layton
Longtime Employee
The complaints further allege that Rene’ Layton knowingly created a false narrative of criminal harassment against Loretta Tye where none existed. The messages that formed the basis of those charges were reportedly sent in a private multi-party family group chat that Rene’ Layton herself remained in and never left. Under Oregon law (ORS 166.090), telephonic harassment requires that the recipient have forbidden the communication by a person exercising lawful authority over the receiving telephone. Remaining inside a voluntary family group chat after receiving the messages does not meet the statutory elements of the offense. The complaints therefore assert that the charges against Loretta Tye were not only baseless — they were a calculated abuse of the criminal justice system designed to intimidate and control.
Additional materials reviewed allege the following self-dealing while Rene’ Layton was reportedly in complete control of Ronald Theodore J. Tye’s estate:
- Allegedly sold two parcels of estate land to her own daughter and her daughter’s associate at prices substantially below contemporaneous cash offers.
- Allegedly handed her brother a 20-year lease on the family home and 32-acre ranch for nothing more than taxes, utilities, and insurance.
- Allegedly converted bank accounts to survivorship designations that funneled assets exclusively to herself and selected siblings.
- Allegedly removed gold from the estate.
- Filed a $299,671 personal claim against the estate for “care” while their father was allegedly isolated, medically neglected, and declining under her control.
US~Observer has attempted to contact the Union County District Attorney. To date, the District Attorney has not responded.
US~Observer is continuing its investigation into these serious allegations against Rene’ Layton. We are seeking additional information from any person with knowledge of her alleged conduct involving estate matters, self-dealing, misuse of official position, or related issues in Wallowa County. Further, we need any information regarding Rene’ Layton’s possible relationship with Union County District Attorney Kelsie McDaniel or Judge Thomas B. Powers whether professional or personal. Layton has reportedly worked around both individuals in the past few years.
Public Call for Information
All sources of information will be treated confidential.
Contact the US~Observer at 602-960-4609 or email submissions@usobserver.net.
