County says sheriff�department investigation ongoing as state police review criminal allegations

The Clinton County Board of Commissioners received an update on March 17 about an ongoing internal investigation in the sheriff's department and directed staff to keep the matter on weekly agendas until the probe is complete.

Shawn, speaking for the sheriff's office, told commissioners, "This is still ongoing investigation. That's all I can say about it." He said elements of the investigation have been turned over to the State Police for criminal review while county administrative inquiries continue.

Commissioners asked several procedural questions about interviews and timelines. One commissioner noted the board had "received multiple formal complaints" related to the civilian side of the matter and asked for any evidence that is not subject to criminal confidentiality to be turned over so a third-party investigator can review alleged policy violations.

Shawn declined to provide further details, saying the internal and criminal reviews are active. He estimated, without commitment, a hoped-for completion window of several weeks but cautioned he is not running the investigation.

The board did not take formal action on personnel at the meeting. Commissioners said they will continue weekly oversight and asked staff to deliver a written letter to Rich (an absent official) that lays out items the board expects related to the civilian-side review.