Create And Track Police Department History
Written by CBKN76
In August 2011, Deputy Dan Wise was involved in a traffic stop near Abercrombie, ND, where he and Deputy Steve Gjerdevig were accused of using excessive force against three men: Christopher Miranowski, Adam Nelson, and Derek Grund. The men alleged that the deputies yelled at them with perverse language and assaulted them during the stop. […]
Written by CBKN76
Written by CBKN76
Former Sheriff James Klinicke faced charges of misapplication of entrusted property and public servant refusing to perform duty. Between May 19, 2008, and July 15, 2008, he seized equipment during a court-ordered property seizure but failed to turn it over to the creditor, instead keeping it in his squad car and later moving it to […]
Written by CBKN76
In February 2024, Deputy Benjamin Myrum, 36, was placed on administrative leave due to allegations of misapplication of entrusted property, a theft-related offense under North Dakota law. Sheriff Bryan Lang stated that Myrum violated county and departmental policies. The case was referred to the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation for an independent review. In […]
Written by CBKN76
In April 2018, Deputy Brad Bowman was accused of domestic violence by his partner, Nicole Rohn. She alleged that Bowman physically assaulted her by throwing her against a wall, grabbing her neck, and punching her in the face. The incident was investigated by the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI), and Bowman was suspended from duty […]
Written by CBKN76
In June 2011, Deputy Eric Braathen used a Taser multiple times on rancher Rodney Brossart during a dispute over stray cattle. Braathen discharged the Taser at least seven times over six minutes, totaling 19-21 seconds of activation. Brossart filed a lawsuit alleging excessive force, but a federal judge dismissed the case in January 2016, stating […]
Written by CBKN76
On November 20, 2016, during the Dakota Access Pipeline protests, Deputy Sheriff Benjamin Swenson tackled protester Marcus Poemoceah from behind without prior warning or command to stop. Poemoceah, who was unarmed and attempting to negotiate the safe passage of elders from the protest site, suffered a nondisplaced pelvic fracture due to the tackle. He filed […]
Written by CBKN76
Sheriff Paul Laney, serving as the Sheriff of Cass County, North Dakota, was involved in the law enforcement response to the Dakota Access Pipeline protests in Morton County. Under his leadership, officers were accused of using excessive force against protesters, including the use of less-lethal munitions and physical assaults. In the case of Poemoceah v. […]
Written by CBKN76
During the Dakota Access Pipeline protests on November 21, 2016, Deputy Sheriff Adam Dvorak deployed two Stinger Ball grenades toward protesters, including Sophia Wilansky, who were near a burned-out vehicle. The grenades exploded within a few feet of Wilansky, contributing to the escalation of force against demonstrators. This incident was part of a broader pattern […]
Written by CBKN76
On November 21, 2016, during the Dakota Access Pipeline protests, Deputy Sheriff Jonathan Moll fired an Aerial Signaling/Warning Munition (flashbang) that struck protester Sophia Wilansky’s left forearm, causing severe injuries. The blast destroyed arteries, skin, tissue, muscle, nerves, tendons, and bone in her forearm, nearly leading to amputation. Wilansky filed a lawsuit alleging excessive force […]
Written by CBKN76
In 2016, during the Dakota Access Pipeline protests, Sheriff Kyle Kirchmeier led the Morton County Sheriff’s Office in responding to demonstrators. Under his command, law enforcement officers were accused of using excessive force against peaceful protesters, including the use of water cannons in freezing temperatures, rubber bullets, and concussion grenades. These actions led to multiple […]
Written by CBKN76
In January 2020, Sheriff Dean Danzeisen was cited for driving under the influence in Bismarck, with a blood alcohol content of 0.19, more than twice the legal limit. He initially pleaded not guilty but later decided to plead guilty to avoid involving other law officers in a trial. The plea agreement included 360 days of […]
Written by CBKN76
In 2008, Deputy Dave Peterson was accused of perjury during a criminal trial, allegedly providing false testimony that contributed to the conviction of Larry Dwain Clark. Clark claimed that Peterson failed to document exculpatory evidence and conspired with other officials to deprive him of due process. The case was dismissed due to legal technicalities, and […]
Written by CBKN76
In 2016, Lt. Schmitz was charged with two counts of providing false information to law enforcement. The charges alleged that he misled investigators about obtaining narcotics prescriptions and his communications with an individual named John Tennant III. Despite these charges, Sheriff Schwartzenberger allowed Schmitz to continue his duties until the case was resolved. In October […]
Written by CBKN76
In 2016, Sheriff Schwartzenberger faced allegations of bullying and retaliation within the department, leading to his suspension by then-Governor Jack Dalrymple. He was also charged with unauthorized use of a county credit card, including personal expenses such as a plane ticket for his wife and a convertible car rental during a trip to Las Vegas. […]