I wasnt the one that put this department in this position, Longlet said. 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. (WISH) A missing Tippecanoe man died Sunday after a two-car crash in northeast Cass County, the Cass County Sherriff's Office announced Monday. Prior to joining WDAY in 2019, Matt was the main anchor at WDAZ in Grand Forks for four years. Published: Nov. 2, 2021 at 11:33 AM PDT. Any person with disabilities who needs help accessing the content of the FCC Public File may contact KSTP via our online form or call 651-646-5555, This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area. CASS COUNTY, N.D. (September 20, 2022) - At 3:42pm this afternoon, the Cass County Sheriff's Office was dispatched, by the Red River Regional Dispatch Center, to a vehicle crash at the intersection 25th Street North and 1st Avenue North in Fargo, involving a Fargo Police Department squad car. ", Lueck hopes by speaking up publicly it will push the sheriff to review the situation he feels was "swept under the rug.". Some speculated King worked with Longlet to leak the documents, but King said he didnt know who Code4 was until after the volunteer deputy was put on leave. 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. 00:00. The Investigation Division, led by Sergeant Becker-Schutte, is assigned to actively investigate any reports Matt enjoys traveling to small towns across North Dakota and Minnesota to share their stories. Moorhead students turn e-learning day into real-world business class, George Floyd's aunt talks about racism and police reform at MSUM, Judge accepts plea deal for semi driver who caused deadly Highway 2 pileup, 14-year-old driver killed in train collision in northwestern North Dakota, Tax breaks for biofuels, grain bin construction among ag bills passed in North Dakota, In the 1920s, a lawman in North Dakota had a dark secret - He was Al Capones brother. The Sheriffs Office also became an Associate Member of the Paul Bunyan Drug Task Force, which allows our Investigators to share information and resources to further assist in drug related investigations. CASS COUNTY, N.D. (February 22nd, 2023) The C https://t.co/qcHzWas2Fj, Website Design by Granicus - Connecting People and Government. The Division also handles a large number of burglaries and financial related crimes in 2021, including frauds. Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the Cass County Sheriff's Office at 574-753-7800. "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.". If anyone has any information that would assist in this investigation, the Cass County Sheriff's Office is asking you to contact us at (701) 241-5800. 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. The activity and potential policy violations Ben has conducted has definitely caused disruptions to the organization and is negatively affecting morale. 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. Longlet said he was ready to reveal his identity after Jahner put him on administrative leave. So far, the . Deputies with the LaPorte County Sheriff's Office were called just before 12:05 a.m. on Sunday to the area of U.S. 35 and Schultz Road on reports of a single-vehicle crash. "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.". Not unique to Cass County, the region or even the state, licensed staff retention continues to be very good, while we see some turnover in non-licensed positions. CASS COUNTY, Mich. The Cass County Sheriff has found a deceased body in a southwest Michigan field on Thursday. Jeremy Cass Akins in Idaho Ada County arrested for DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE (SECOND OFFENSE), DRIVING WITHOUT PRIVILEGES. Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. The Cass County Sheriff's Office consists of several divisions, which generally provide service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We are looking forward to getting these programs and initiatives started fully again in 2023. CASS COUNTY, Mich. Four people were injured, with two of them hospitalized, in a two-vehicle crash at a Milton Township intersection Friday. and they were not conducting a criminal investigation. Sheriff Jahner advised me to go pull the record to answer my all my questions about this incident. possibility of property or evidence becoming lost or misplaced. 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. Further charges may be possible at the conclusion of the investigation. The main responsibilities of the CID include the investigation of all major crimes and drug violations. 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. Code4 initially asked in emails to The Forum to remain anonymous. 1 garbage route in Fargo was stopped due to winter storm, 81-year-old Fargo curler has been throwing stones for 60 years, Drifting snow keeps plows racing to clear streets in Fargo, West Fargo. Central Cass in Casselton: The snow drifts reaching the top of the building illustrates why travel is highly discou https://t.co/qvp8hZK3NC, This video was captured in the City of Horace. 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. 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. 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.. submitted by the Patrol Division that effect crimes against persons, crimes against property and Ray received a written reprimanddue to a county electronic device policy violation, and did not break any state or federal laws. Longlet told The Forum that Ray put a black eye on the department. Address: The sheriff said policy prohibits disparaging remarks or conduct that could "disrupt the efficiency of the office" or would discredit any employee. Cass County-led drug investigation leads to several arrests and narcotics seizures Minnesota News April 21, 2022 Thirteen people have drug charges pending in multiple counties and more than 3 pounds of methamphetamine was seized in a statewide drug investigation. Once again, as we begin the New Year and work to complete our year end statistics and annual report that will be presented in the coming month to the Cass County Board of Commissioners and published on our website, I would like to share a recap of sheriffs office activity during 2022. . The handling of the investigation into the lieutenant has drawn criticism, with some questioning whether the incident was covered up or whether Ray received a light punishment. 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) US States (36975K) Current Events (51K) Celebrity (272) Exonerated (117) Favorites (421) FBI Most Wanted (848) . April Baumgarten joined The Forum in February 2019 as an investigative reporter. bryan.welk@casscountymn.gov 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. 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. King was not rehired 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. 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. Jahner confirmed to The Forum that Longlet is on administrative leave. I served Cass County warrant 20CA-CR00741-01 for FTA Property Damage . "I would like for my story to get out there. If you feel you have received this message in error, please contact the customer support team at 1-833-248-7801. The Cass County Sheriffs Office is supported by several volunteer functions and we are fortunate to have these countywide partnerships to assist us in the delivery of public safety and law enforcement services! system is utilized to manage the over 10,000 pieces of property and evidence to eliminate the Office and preserves the any evidence needed for prosecution. Jahner said Longlet's actions have disrupted the sheriff's office and have negatively impacted morale. 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. 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. If you feel you have received this message in error, please contact the customer support team at 1-833-248-7801. department-issued phone to send a nude photo. THEFTS: Report at 11:23 a.m. Feb. 12 of a gas drive off . Sheriff Jahner provided a written statement: "As an organization, we need to move forward with this investigative process. The lieutenant also acknowledged using his department phone to send other nude photos to his wife, the documents said. Cass County Financial Data Portal - OpenGov, Cass County Planning Commission Meeting Documents, Cass County Comprehensive and Transportation Plan. The decision came after internal investigators questioned Longlet about whether he was Code4. The Cass County Sheriff's Office provides each SRD with a fully equipped squad car, uniforms, equipment, Sheriff's Office. . She grew up on a ranch 10 miles southeast of Belfield, N.D., where her family raises Hereford cattle. That's because Lueck says he reported the incident as sexual harassment and he interprets the county policy that intent does not matter. were identified and the investigation revealed a crime did not occurr. I want the questions to be answered, and ultimately I think it needs to be reinvestigated," Lueck said. The Investigation Division has incorporated a well structured Property and Evidence Management 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. It is the duty of the Cass County Sheriff's Office to protect persons, property, and keep the order of peace within Cass County. 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.. At noon Friday, the Cass County Sheriff's Office . Note: The charges and bail amounts may change after court appearances and may not be current. The reserve deputy said Sheriff Jesse Jahner put him on administrative leave starting Oct. 14. The Paris News. He shouldn't have to keep hearing about it at the office. specific areas of expertise such as interview and interrogation, computer crimes, sex crimes, Box 1054 Bismarck ND 58502-1054 Phone: (701) 328-5500. Traffic crashes with Injuries, both statewide and within Cass County, continue to trend much higher than average. Our Complaint Process All internal and external complaints are investigated in the same systematic, fair and professional manner. In 2022, this unit again produced some impressive results. Ray accepted disciplinary action and should be allowed to move on, Jahner said. However, he said by speaking up a heavy burden has been lifted. Longlet was "disappointed and disheartened" by the decision, his attorney Christopher Redmann said. Jahner told The Forum on Tuesday there is an ongoing investigation into whether others in his office shared the photo. The state of Minnesota continues to report that statewide crashes and high speeds remain. On 02/20/2023, at approximately 1345 Hours, I made contact with ELLIOTT,JESSE DEAN W/M at the Cass County Sheriff's Office on a Cass County warrant. "Being in law enforcement, we have that responsibility to the citizens. That did not feel like something I should do. The cause of death remains under investigation. The lieutenant was given a letter of reprimand for improper use of a county phone. Several highly visible off-highway vehicle enforcement and educational saturations were conducted in high traffic and complaint areas in 2022 yielding successful results. Law enforcement conducted an inventory search of the vehicle, locating drug paraphernalia and multiple clothing items believed to be stolen property. Elected in 2023, Cass County's Sheriff is Bryan Welk. I believe that I was put on admin leave to make me shut up," Longlet told The Forum. 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. The Investigations Division is also active in investigating ongoing cases, such as missing persons investigations and other cases that have gone cold. Joel Stading, who conducts internal investigations for the agency. METEA, Ind. Jahner also said in the letter that Longlet talked more about the investigation into Ray during a predetermination hearing that the sheriff said was meant to discuss why Longlet felt he should keep his position as a volunteer deputy. This is done by numerous investigative techniques, 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. More than three pounds of methamphetamine seized. Employment Opportunities; Facts & Figures; Links; Message from the Sheriff . The lieutenant told internal investigators it was an accident, and that the photo was meant for his wife. Prosecuting Attorney's Office where the case is reviewed and a decision is made as to what criminal The Starke County investigation led to Cass County where officers apprehended the first suspect. Sheriff Jesse Jahner withdrew Ben Longlets status as a volunteer deputy, according to a Jan. 11 memo obtained Tuesday, Feb. 14, by The Forum through an open records request. 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. KSTP-TV, LLC by any evidence located at a crime scene or through the use of interviews of victims, witness and Before taking office as County Sheriff on January 1, 2017, Sheriff Behnke served as the Undersheriff from 2003 through 2016.Sheriff Behnke graduated from Dowagiac Union High School in 1982. . CASS COUNTY Cass County Sheriff Tom Burch reports that during the past year - pursuant to a statewide, large scale, ongoing investigation into the sales and use of controlled substances . "The discipline has been handed out, and at this point, it's done.". BLOG; CATEGORIES. Tips can be sent through the tip line at 1-800-222-8477, or by CLICKING HERE. The burglary is still under investigation by the Starke County Sheriff's Office as well as the Cass County Sheriff's Office. 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. If you feel you have received this message in error, please contact the customer support team at 1-833-248-7801. send nude photos, including one to his coworker. You can read more details about the investigation by clicking here. "That's why I sent the email to the agency and the situation is done," Jahner said. The man behind the Code4Media email is Reserve Deputy Ben Longlet. Cindy Leigh Cass, 33, from Mocksville was arrested on six counts of felony conspiracy to manufacture meth and six counts possession of precursor chemicals for manufacturing meth. Longlet said he helped Jahner with his campaign in 2018. That's how 15-year-old Cass Henry and his . The Lamar County Courthouse. 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. The Narcotics Division will Jahner told staff in a March email to stop discussing Rays incident and the internal investigation in "group messages, emails or talk" out of respect for the privacy of those involved, including the deputy who received the nude photo. 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. Jahner won with 80% If there's stuff going on internally, we have to hold ourselves accountable," Lueck said. and "Give me a call when you are able thanks[.]". send nude photos, including one to his coworker. Deputy personnel assigned to campus security and safety screens for entry to courtrooms continues to be effective. He focuses on crimes and courts and investigative stories. System that maintains the care, custody and control of any property received by the Sheriff's A 38-year-old Niles man was driving east on M-62 when he crossed the center line, causing a head-on crash. 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. The Cass County Sheriff's Office is currently looking for dedicated men and women interested in an outstanding career in law enforcement as a Civilian Control Room Operator. King is currently a deputy with the Cass County Sheriffs Office, and is challenging Jahner in next months election. 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