Sheriff Brock recognized Investigator Gary Kemper during the Van Buren County Court's February meeting for an investigation that produced grand-jury indictments in a theft case involving an unlicensed contractor. "Investigator Gary Kemper is a tremendous asset to the sheriff's office and to the citizens of Van Buren County and is to be commended for his exemplary dedication to duty," Sheriff Brock said.

The sheriff said the Van Buren County Sheriff's Office began receiving allegations in early February 2025 that a contractor had committed thefts against multiple citizens and landowners. Investigator Kemper led an intensive inquiry that included interviews with victims, businesses and financial institutions and required multiple subpoenas to obtain records, the sheriff said.

According to the sheriff, Kemper's investigation found alleged criminal acts affecting victims in Van Buren County and neighboring counties. Those findings were presented to a grand jury by the District Attorney General's office and produced an indictment that the sheriff described as involving thefts "totaling over $500,000" from Van Buren County victims alone. Sheriff Brock said arrests have been made in neighboring counties and that investigations are ongoing.

The sheriff presented Kemper with a gift card and said a letter recognizing the work will be placed in Kemper's personnel record. Kemper came forward to be recognized at the meeting and accepted the acknowledgment.

The court returned to the published agenda after the recognition.