Ward County investigation found March 18 harassment complaint unfounded; discipline imposed on other officers

Ward County commissioners were told on May 6, 2025, that an internal investigation into a March 18 harassment complaint was completed and the complaint was found to be unfounded. Commissioner Michael Olson reported the outcome during the regular meeting.

Why it matters: The public complaint prompted an internal review that, while not substantiating the original harassment allegation, identified other personnel issues that resulted in disciplinary action — a demotion of one officer and termination of two others — raising questions about department oversight and personnel practices.

Commissioner Olson gave the update to the Board of Ward County Commissioners during the May 6 meeting. He said the investigation concluded the March 18 complaint was unfounded; the transcript records that the inquiry nevertheless “revealed other issues in the department,” which led to a demotion and two terminations.

Discussion: The commission discussion was presented as an update rather than a formal hearing or vote. No additional details about the officers involved, the specific misconduct findings, or the investigative report were provided in the meeting record. The transcript does not identify the officers by name, specify the department unit involved beyond the phrasing “in the department,” or give effective dates for the personnel actions.

Next steps: The meeting record shows the matter was presented as an informational update; no formal follow-up motion or vote is recorded in the minutes. Commissioners did not vote on the investigative findings during the session.