Weitzel resigns, Reynolds appointed sheriffby Jason Futch During its regular meeting on July 8, the Dodge County Board of Supervisors had plenty to discuss following last week’s announcement that former Sheriff Dustin Weitzel had been charged with and convicted of one count of wire fraud.
On Monday, July 6, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nebraska announced that Weitzel had been investigated for fraudulent wire transfers from the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 17 bank account to his personal account to cover overdraft fees, which were committed between 2018 and 2022. At the time, Weitzel served as the lodge’s treasurer and was the only person with access to the account. He resigned as treasurer in 2023 after being elected sheriff. During the meeting, the supervisors entered a closed session after formally accepting Weitzel’s resignation to discuss the situation and determine who would succeed him as sheriff. Board Chairman Bob Missell said the resignation became effective July 7. When the board returned to open session, Missell announced the appointment of former Dodge County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Robert “Bob” Reynolds as interim sheriff. “The board felt it was important to re-establish trust in the office,” Missell said. “Sheriff Reynolds’ years of experience and his track record in the office speak volumes.” Following a unanimous vote approving Reynolds’ appointment, County Judge Geoffrey Hall administered the oath of office. Reynolds served in several roles with the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office during his 37-year career, ultimately becoming chief deputy under Sheriff Steve Hespen. After Hespen’s resignation in 2022, Reynolds served as interim sheriff until Weitzel was elected. He then returned to his role as chief deputy until retiring two years ago. During a recess, County Attorney Pamela Hopkins answered questions from reporters about Weitzel’s resignation and Reynolds’ appointment. She said her office learned of Weitzel’s conviction just hours before the U.S. Attorney’s Office publicly announced the case last Monday. She also emphasized there was no indication Weitzel had engaged in any misconduct while serving as sheriff. “Sheriff Weitzel has been a pillar of the community, and his contributions will not be forgotten,” Hopkins said. “We respect his decision to step down at this time and thank him for his years of service and sacrifice.” She added that the Dodge County Attorney’s Office extends its best wishes to Weitzel and his family during this difficult time. Because the sheriff’s office did not have a chief deputy when Weitzel resigned due to budget constraints, the Board of Supervisors was responsible for appointing an interim sheriff. Missell said Reynolds contacted him shortly after the resignation. “(Reynolds) said if there was anything he could do to help us through this process, he was willing,” Missell said. “After carefully considering the situation we found ourselves in, I asked if he would consider coming back. He ultimately said he would.” Read the full story in the print or e-edition. <<Back to the front page |
