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Dodge County Sheriff pleads guilty to federal wire fraud
Sentencing is set for October
DODGE COUNTY, Neb. —
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Nebraska announced the Dodge County Sheriff has been charged with a federal crime.
In a news release Monday, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said Dustin Weitzel pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud.
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Federal prosecutors said Weitzel served as the treasurer for the Dodge County Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 17 (FOP17) until his election to sheriff in 2023. They said Weitzel made 84 unauthorized transactions, totaling $45,500, between FOP17 accounts and his personal bank accounts.
According to the release, many of the transfers were to “prevent overdrafts in Weitzel’s personal accounts.” Weitzel returned $40, 750.01 to FOP17 accounts before the fraud was detected. $4,749.99 remains unaccounted for.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office says Weitzel admitted to it during an interview. As part of his plea agreement, he will surrender his law enforcement certification and will not work as a law enforcement officer in the future.
Sentencing is set for October 1.
KETV NewsWatch 7 has reached out to numerous Dodge County officials and leaders, including Weitzel, for comment and asking what happens next for the role of sheriff, but as of Monday evening we did not receive a response.
