SANDPOINT - Allegations against a chief deputy are being aired amid reports of internal strife at the Bonner County Sheriff's Office.

The allegations involve Undersheriff David Hale, who was accused of taking part in a racially-motivated beating of a black teenager in Tulsa, Okla., in 2008.

The teen's mother filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against the city, Hale and two other officers. The city, U.S. District Court records show, disputed the allegations and maintained the teen was arrested for obstruction after he attempted to bolt away from them during questioning.

The allegations were never proven because the city decided in 2010 to pay $150,000 to settle the lawsuit. The payment was not an admission of guilt, according to court documents.

Hale denied any wrongdoing during the arrest and said the suit was frivolous. He said the city opted to settle because it was less costly than litigating the suit, a common occurrence when cities or counties are sued.

"They do this on a routine basis," Hale said of the decision to settle.

The settlement states that the city agreed to the entry of the judgment "for the purpose of eliminating the expense, risk, and inconvenience associated with the trial of this case and any subsequent appeals."

Bonner County Sheriff Daryl Wheeler said Hale was vetted and he was aware of the allegations in Tulsa.

"There's two sides to every story," Wheeler said.

Hale is also being accused of creating a hostile work environment and two deputies have reportedly retained legal counsel.

The emergence of that report and the allegations Hale once faced coincide with disciplinary actions at the sheriff's office.

Wheeler said he could not provide any details about those actions because they are personnel matters.

"I'm also involved in the personnel actions as well," Hale said.