Dodge County Sheriff resigns after pleading guilty to wire fraud

FREMONT, Neb. —

Sheriff Dustin Weitzel has resigned from his position in Dodge County after pleading guilty to wire fraud.

The Dodge County Board of Supervisors accepted Weitzel’s resignation at a meeting on Wednesday morning, effective at the end of the day on Tuesday.

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In response, the Board of Supervisors appointed Bob Reynolds as the interim Sheriff after a closed session. Reynolds was formerly a sheriff in Dodge County.

On Monday, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nebraska announced Weitzel pleaded guilty to a single wire fraud charge.

According to prosecutors, Weitzel admitted to using his former role as treasurer of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 17 to prevent overdrafts of personal accounts. He’s accused of taking $45,500 between April 2018 and February 2022, returning all but $4,750 before he was “detected.”

Weitzel also removed his name from the November ballot. He was set to be the only candidate listed. The Dodge County Republican Party will have until Sept. 1 to select a replacement nominee. Dodge County residents can also declare write-in campaigns before Oct. 23, Dodge County Election Commissioner Micki Gilfry told KETV.

Interim Sheriff Reynolds told KETV he’s interested in running for sheriff.

Reynolds worked for 37 years in the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office before he retired around two years ago. His time included a brief stint as mayor.

Board Chair Bob Missel said Reynolds is the right choice to “restore” trust in the Dodge County Sheriff’s Office.

Weitzel has not responded to KETV’s requests for comment.

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