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Sheriff Puts Rumors to Rest

In a press release given to the Courier on May 21, Sheriff Vernon Buerkle sought to clarify the results of an investigation into professional misconduct for one of the Sheriff’s deputies. Buerkle described the events in extreme detail covering the events from beginning to end.

According to the Sheriff, rumors had arisen across social media that an officer had used a DUI traffic stop to force the female suspect into performing actions in return for being released without charges. Those rumors made their way back to the deputy in question who reported them to the Sheriff.

The Sheriff then informed the Montana Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) who sent agents to investigate. According to the Sheriff: “The referral to an outside agency for this investigation was also supported by the officer who was the subject of the investigation. The State investigators came to Valley County and contacted the female in question. The female disavowed having any contact with the officer, and denied any part of this rumor entirely. Therefore, the alleged misconduct is unfounded.”

Following the findings of the DCI investigation, the Sheriff decided to release a statement to clarify the rumors and show that the Sheriff’s department takes any allegation of professional misconduct or illegal activity by law enforcement seriously.

Buerkle said in the press release, “The Valley County Sheriff’s Office is dedicated to ensuring all its employees act in accordance with the law and execute the duties of their office with full regard to the law. Allegations of official misconduct will always be treated seriously and will be referred to an outside agency for review and investigation.”

The Sheriff also cautioned the public to consider their actions in perpetuating unfounded rumors.

The Sheriff stated: “(I)f allegations arise regarding official misconduct, the Valley County Sheriff’s Office would request that those allegations be reported to the Sheriff’s Office, so they may be dealt with officially to ensure that no impropriety has occurred, and if it has, the matter will be dealt with appropriately."

The Sheriff continued saying, "Individuals repeating stories of official misconduct without verifying the source and the veracity of these claims only damage the criminal justice system, the individuals involved and their families.”

 

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