The nine complaints filed with state regulators all cite Palmer's involvement with the armed militants. Licensing officials said in letters to those submitting the complaints that the conduct they complained of would violate state licensing standards if proven.

John Day Police Chief Richard Gray was among those complaining. He recounted how Palmer twice met in John Day with the militants as the occupation continued.

He also cited a 2012 episode as evidence of misconduct by Palmer that should be investigated, referring to the apparent deletion of a police report from electronic files. Gray at the time was running against Palmer for sheriff.

Another complaint was filed by Valerie Luttrell, manager of the John Day dispatch center that serves local agencies, including the sheriff's office. She said Palmer was judged a "security leak" by local police, state troopers and the FBI. She said Palmer promotes his personal agenda "over the welfare and safety of the general public he is sworn to protect."