cass county sheriff investigation
Jahner said Longlet's actions have disrupted the sheriff's office and have negatively impacted morale. The reserve deputy, Ben Longlet, told The Forum that he became the subject of an internal investigation himself after sending news outlets the anonymous email, which included a censored version of the lieutenant's nude photo. Utilizing our Automatic Vehicle Locator, the concept of drawn patrol lines in response areas disappear and the closest squad, including deputies, supervisors and investigators is sent to the call for service. The deputy who received the photo said he felt his concerns were not taken seriously by the sheriff's office, according to documents obtained by The Forum through a public records request. Man arrested after investigation into fatal collision. CASS COUNTY, N.D. (February 22nd, 2023) The C https://t.co/qcHzWas2Fj, Website Design by Granicus - Connecting People and Government. Cass County. Deputy personnel assigned to campus security and safety screens for entry to courtrooms continues to be effective. Sheriff Jahner says the investigation's purpose was not to identify Dirk, but rather was to see if the message was intentionally sent to the unnamed deputy. Meanwhile, authorities say a 35-year-old Hackensack man was the leader of several of the cases, and say he used people to move meth from the Minneapolis and St. Paul metro area to northern Minnesota so it could be sold. The evening started with appetizers and time to socialize before dinner was served. According to the Cass County Sheriffs Office, multiple traffic stops and search warrants targeting the seizure of methamphetamine have been conducted throughout the past year. Ray told investigators the nude photo was meant for his wife, and the sheriffs office determined Ray sent the photo to the deputy by accident in September 2021, according to internal investigative documents. Ray received a written reprimand for improper use of a county phone since it was his first offense, the sheriff said. The sheriff determined Longlet did not stay up-to-date on agency policy, the letter said. Advocates for ideas and draws conclusions based on the interpretation of facts and data. All equipment and uniforms are provided. We see that you have javascript disabled. Staying silent would have been a disservice, he said. He also graduated from the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Police Executive Development Program and the Executive Management Program at Northwestern . Sheriff Jesse Jahner withdrew Ben Longlet's status as a volunteer deputy, according to a Jan. 11 memo obtained Tuesday, Feb. 14, by The Forum through an open records request. to media about an officer who used his government-issued phone to The email included documents from a Sept. 2021 investigation of a Cass County lieutenant who reportedly accidentally sent a fellow deputy within the sheriffs office a naked picture. Administration; Civil Process; Community Policing ; Corrections; Court Security; Investigations; K-9; Road Patrol; Support Services; Resources & Services . walton county sheriff news. Jahner's email cited a policy that prohibits disparaging remarks or conduct that could "disrupt the efficiency of the office" or would discredit any employee. "Several employees have questioned me as to why he has been allowed to stay at the organization to this point," Jahner said of Longlet. The sheriff. Longlet said the Cass County Sheriff's Office investigated him for his role with . However, the reserve deputy said he isn't pushing for King to win the election. They also confirmed other reports made. Jahner confirmed to The Forum that Longlet is on administrative leave. The reserve deputy said Sheriff Jesse Jahner put him on administrative leave starting Oct. 14. Anyone with information regarding this case or any other criminal activity is asked to call Cass County Dispatch at 1-269-445-1560, Cass County. Anyone could have done that. Along with the internal investigation into Code4, Jahner said there's the potential for a criminal investigation since Ray's nude photo was shared without his permission. Thursday's proceedings included testimony from the victim in the case and Evans. Law enforcement conducted an inventory search of the vehicle, locating drug paraphernalia and multiple clothing items believed to be stolen property. "This could be criminal coercion against the sheriff for threatening these things against his members," Longlet said. King is currently a deputy with the Cass County Sheriffs Office, and is challenging Jahner in next months election. The email sent Oct. 3 alerted local news outlets to an internal investigation into a lieutenant who used a . 00:00. The man behind the Code4Media email is Reserve Deputy Ben Longlet. The documents in Rays investigation reveal some within the department felt Sheriff Jahner was sweeping the investigation under the rug, and didnt give Ray the appropriate punishment. "We asked [the deputy] if he wanted it investigated further and what he would want to know, and he said that he wanted to know if the intent was to send it to him, "said Jahner, "We felt through our investigation we answered that question.". So far, the . This is a signal of a return to pre-pandemic levels. Longlet claimed the investigation was mishandled and was covered up, allegations Jahner denied. Ray said he accidentally sent a photo in September 2021 to a fellow deputy, according to investigative documents. Longlet previously said he sent out the documents to speak out and prompt change in the department, not because of political motivation. PLATTSMOUTH, Neb. Anyone with information about meth sales and use is asked to send in a tip, which can be anonymous. The Sheriff is the Chief Law Enforcement authority of the County and is an elected position. narcotics violations. Cass County officials confirm Lt. Ray did not request copies of the full investigation or reports related to the incident and neither did the other deputy involved. Sheriff Jahner says the investigation's purpose was not to identify Dirk, but rather was to see if the message was intentionally sent to the unnamed deputy. Documents state the deputy told officials there had never been other inappropriate instances or red flags in their time working with Lt. Ray over the course of five years, and officials say since the incident, Lt. Ray and the deputy have continued to work together without conflict or further issues. The Cass County Sheriff's Office Investigations Division is comprised of five full-time Investigators, three of which are assigned to general investigations and two assigned specifically to drug investigations. Jahner also sent out a March email to staff directing them to not discuss the Ray investigation in "group messages, emails or talk" out of respect for the privacy of those involved, including the deputy who received the nude photo. Sheriff Jahner advised me to go pull the record to answer my all my questions about this incident. This case remains under investigation. Authorities say an ongoing statewide investigation into sales and use of controlled substances has resulted in more than a dozen arrests so far, as well as the confiscation of currency and methamphetamine. Ray responded with "?" Utah County Attorney David Leavitt called for the resignation of Sheriff Mike Smith over the investigation, saying that Smith was irresponsibly revisiting allegations against Leavitt and his wife. (KNSI) After a large-scale, yearlong drug investigation, police in Cass County and several other agencies say they have made numerous arrests, seizing cash and methamphetamine. A Hubbard Broadcasting Company. The leak came roughly a month before Jahner faced a challenger from his own office in the general election. Trending down from 2021, we processed 41,589 calls to 911 from cellular phones in 2022 and 1,965 calls from landlines. "The main goal of the Cass County Sheriff's Office is to provide a high level of public safety and good customer service to our citizens without disruptions. The Investigation Division, led by Sergeant Becker-Schutte, is assigned to actively investigate any reports METEA, Ind. She double majored in communications and history/political science at the University of Jamestown, N.D. We see that you have javascript disabled. Prosecuting Attorney's Office where the case is reviewed and a decision is made as to what criminal Ray accepted disciplinary action and should be allowed to move on, Jahner said. FARGO The Cass County Sheriffs Office has parted ways with a Cass County Sheriff's Department CRASHES: Report at 10:51 a.m. Feb. 15 of an accident with no injuries on Interlachen Road in Lake Shore. I do not feel comfortable having him work under my authority and peace officer license, nor am I obligated to have him work under my license, the letter said. If anyone has any information that would assist in this investigation, the Cass County Sheriff's Office is asking you to contact them at (701) 241-5800 . shortly after the deputy's response, later sending "That pic for you Opps sorry that was not suposed to goto you ." Sheriff's office removes 30 dogs left in the freezing cold at a Cass County property He also said they are now undergoing treatment for heartworm and other intestinal parasites, with several. According to the Cass County Sheriff's Office, multiple traffic stops and search warrants targeting the seizure of methamphetamine have been conducted throughout the past year. She grew up on a ranch 10 miles southeast of Belfield, N.D., where her family raises Hereford cattle. CLOSING DATE: Open Until Filled. "In fact, Sheriff Jahner has committed misdemeanor criminal coercion in his threat to criminally charge rank-and-file members of the department to refrain them from constitutionally protected activity.". The Investigation Division has incorporated a well structured Property and Evidence Management Longlet said he was not politically motivated in sending the anonymous email but wanted to do what was right for the county. The sheriff delivered the state mandated 2022 Racial Profiling Report at a meeting that saw commissioners declare . Longlet said he was ready to reveal his identity after Jahner put him on administrative leave. Jahner said the department often doesnt fire people for policy violations, especially on their first offense like in Rays case. (KOLN) - An 18-year-old man has been arrested in the stabbing death of a woman in eastern Cass County. All rights reserved. Fargo, ND 58104, Courtesy: Cass County Sheriff's Department. The Division is often assisted by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension in these types of investigations. In 2022, this unit again produced some impressive results. I released public record documents, Longlet said. Cass County Sheriff's . CASS COUNTY, Mich. (WNDU) - A suspect who led police on a chase from Elkhart into Michigan on Monday night was taken into custody after he was located in the woods by a Cass County K-9.. Any person wishing to help and provide information regarding a criminal offense and ", Lueck hopes by speaking up publicly it will push the sheriff to review the situation he feels was "swept under the rug.". In 2022, we responded to and investigated 86 crashes with injuries and 202 without injuries. According to. MILTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. A two-car crash was reported Friday around 12 p.m. at the intersection of Ironwood Road and Redfield Street in Milton Township, according to the Cass County Sheriff's Office. The investigation into Ray was marked closed in January 2022. As of Thursday, Oct. 20, Jahner's office was still investigating whether Longlet violated policies of the sheriff's office, said Capt. I felt like I would be put into a position of getting in trouble for doing that too," Longlet said. Two investigators have been assigned to Narcotics Investigations, which has been very beneficial to the enforcement and investigation into the use and sales of narcotics, illegal substances and associated crimes. The Investigations Division is also active in investigating ongoing cases, such as missing persons investigations and other cases that have gone cold. FARGO For the first time, the Cass County sheriff's deputy who received a nude photo from one of his bosses is talking publicly about the incident. Sheriff Jahner says Lieutenant Tommy Ray sent a nude photo to an unnamed deputy, and an investigation concluded Ray sent the material accidentally. We see that you have javascript disabled. Jahner said he handled the investigation into Ray properly, adding that he felt he was transparent in sharing documents with news outlets when requested. Cass County Sheriff's Office Regional Training Academy Cass County Sheriff's Office Regional Training Academy Cass County Sheriff's Office Regional Training Academy Connect With Us - email: jbs@cassmosheriff.org or below. However, he said by speaking up a heavy burden has been lifted. Matt enjoys being a voice for the little guy. were identified and the investigation revealed a crime did not occurr. February 27, 2023. He also claims internal investigators seemed more eager to work with the lieutenant than him. King acknowledged knowing Longlet for many years, but he didn't know Longlet was part of Code4 until after Longlet was put on administrative leave. More than three pounds of methamphetamine seized. /or any information regarding an ongoing criminal investigation may contact the Investigation Division The decision comes after the sheriffs office discovered Longlet was behind an anonymous group called Code4 Media. That's how 15-year-old Cass Henry and his . He focuses on crimes and courts and investigative stories. Our annual report with numbers and statistics from our townships and cities are compiled and sent to the clerks of those government units for review at their annual meetings in March of 2023. The attorney said the use of a department-issued phone made Ray's photo a public record and that Longlet's actions are protected under the First Amendment. Longlet has been a reserve deputy since December 2018. The Investigations Division works closely with other County Departments, including Heath, Human and Veteran Services, by meeting daily to review intake reports to determine whether criminal charges should be pursued. sent a fellow deputy within the sheriffs office a naked picture. You can read more details about the investigation by clicking here. Office and preserves the any evidence needed for prosecution. Longlet also told The Forum he sent publicly available documents to news outlets on Oct. 3 detailing an investigation into Lt. Tommy Ray. Details Date: July 4 . and "Is this coach dirk?" as well as maximizing high profile attention to drug houses and offenders. (Cass County, ND) -- A high ranking county official is working to dispel concerns and rumors after an investigation into a nude photo sent by a Lieutenantof the county sheriff's department was brought to light. I would like know this information as well as you but I can tell you that it is not me. Feb 16, 2023 Cass County Sheriff Arrests On Feb. 10, deputies from the Cass County Sheriff's Office arrested Jennifer Claussen, 40, of Atlantic, for OWI second offense. Crash investigators say Samuel Gillis, 23, and his brother, Joseph Gillis, 22, were driving eastbound on Redfield. Contact Us Sheriff's Office Physical Address View Map 321 M-62 Cassopolis, MI 49031 Directions Phone: : 269-445-8644 Emergency Phone: : 911 Directory Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) The sheriff said policy prohibits disparaging remarks or conduct that could "disrupt the efficiency of the office" or would discredit any employee. bryan.welk@casscountymn.gov "Being in law enforcement, we have that responsibility to the citizens. Further charges may be possible at the conclusion of the investigation. As you can see, the wind continues to remain strong, making for diff https://t.co/Qwl0GbRFzD, Cass County Authorities Requesting Drivers Stay Off Rural Roadways The case stems from an investigation the Grant County Sheriff's Department started in September 2017 after the victim, who lives in Grant County, reported Evans had sexual relations with her in Cass County. Lueck says King was not behind the leak. The Narcotics Division Law enforcement conducted an inventory search of the vehicle, locating drug paraphernalia and multiple clothing items believed to be stolen property. You can read more details about the investigation by clicking here. Deputy Joshua Lueck admits he is worried this story may impact his employment status at the sheriff's office, where he works at the jail. Ray received a written reprimanddue to a county electronic device policy violation, and did not break any state or federal laws. system is utilized to manage the over 10,000 pieces of property and evidence to eliminate the FARGO, N.D. (Valley News Live) - After a lengthy internal investigation, the Cass County Deputy who has been at the center of a DUI investigation from late . The lieutenant was given a letter of reprimand for improper use of a county phone. The Investigation Division is organized to allow detectives to specialize in ", The message sent to the unnamed deputy included the inappropriate photo, and the deputy saying "Wrong number." ", The message sent to the unnamed deputy included the inappropriate photo, and the deputy saying "Wrong number." Property of the Cass County Sheriff's Office. We responded to 113 medical related overdose calls, with four resulting in death. We continue to receive and process a large number of gun permit to purchase and permit to carry applications. System that maintains the care, custody and control of any property received by the Sheriff's covers all of Michiana including St. Joseph, Elkhart, Kosciusko, LaPorte and Marshall counties in Indiana and Berrien, Cass, Van Buren and St. Joseph counties in Mich. Jahner won with 80% Deputies with the Cass County Sheriff's Office were dispatched to a home . Submit a . That did not feel like something I should do. In a statement to our reporter Monday evening, King stated: I do not know who code 4 media is and or who is apart of of this group at this moment. "The discipline has been handed out, and at this point, it's done.". Tips can be sent through the tip line at 1-800-222-8477, or by CLICKING HERE. Please enable javascript and refresh the page to continue reading local news. Longlet signed a petition that allowed King to run for office. Our Complaint Process All internal and external complaints are investigated in the same systematic, fair and professional manner. The Investigation Division will prepare any criminal case assigned to them by CASS COUNTY, MI 1 DAY AGO. Major Case Squad. UPDATE: Cass County Sheriff candidate declines being behind leak of internal investigation documents, UPDATE: Interstates closed in North Dakota, NDDOT reopens interstates and major highways. In an open records request to the Cass County Sheriffs Office, Valley News Live has confirmed the only person to have access to these investigative files before they were distributed to local media was Mathew King. online form by clicking HERE. There were no racial profiling complaints made against deputies during the year, Sheriff Scott Cass told Commissioners' Court at a Monday morning meeting at the Lamar County Courthouse. volunteer deputy who leaked information Narcan (Naloxone is a medicine that rapidly reverses an opioid overdose) was noted to be used/administered on 117 calls in 2022. Jahner said sheriff's office staff must follow policy, and it's his job to make sure they do. LOGANSPORT - Tuesday, a bilateral criminal investigation by police officers from the Indiana State Police and the Cass County Sheriff's Department led to the arrests of Justin Robinson, 33, and . Longlet said the Cass County Sheriffs Office investigated him for his role with Code4 Media, the entity listed in the anonymous email as its sender. FARGO, N.D. (Valley News Live) - Reporter inboxes across the Valley received the same email shortly after midnight Monday with the subject line reading, in part, Investigation into Cass County Sheriffs Office. The email came from Code 4 Media, and stated its goal is to hold elected officials accountable and represent victims when the system has failed them.. Saturday was our busiest day for 911 calls received and Wednesday had the least amount of daily 911 calls. The Starke County investigation led to Cass County where officers apprehended the first suspect. Anyone could have requested them. "As an organization, we need to move forward with this investigative process," Jahner said. 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