Sheriff's office investigating missing ammo claim

POLSON - The Lake County Sheriff's Office is investigating claims that ammunition is missing from its facility, Det. Mike Sargeant said last week.

"It is a priority with the sheriff to get this investigated," said Sargeant, who is leading the investigation.

He said they department could not release how the LCSO monitors the ammunition supply, but said it was not like a case in Ravalli County last year, where a former deputy there allegedly stole and sold more than 40,000 rounds of rifle and handgun ammo.

"I'm looking to see how much ammo there was and if there is any missing," Sargeant said.

Allegations came to light publicly on a Web site claiming, among other things, that ammunition is unaccounted for at the sheriff's office. The site, run by "Concerned Citizens of Lake County," is advocating against sheriff candidate Jay Doyle.

One allegation states that approximately 10,000 rounds of ammunition are missing from the department's cache.

From the Web site, the creators ask: "Why are there thousands of rounds of ammunition missing and unaccounted for from the Sheriff's ammo locker? We as taxpayers buy this ammunition. Ask the Sheriff where this ammo is, and why it is missing! Ask the Sheriff if there has been an investigation into this missing ammunition, and if not, why? Are we looking at another Ravalli County missing ammunition problem? Ask your Sheriff!"

Sargeant said the claims by the Web site aren't the first time he's heard allegations of missing ammo, but said he will follow up with anyone who may have insight into the matter.

"I will visit with any and all people that may have information," Sargeant said.

Sargeant worries the Web site is politically motivated, but said regardless, an investigation is underway.

"Everybody wants some answers and I want to keep the integrity of this investigation as pure as possible," he said.

To ensure the investigation is fairly and independently investigated, Sargeant said the Division of Criminal Investigation under the Department of Justice for the State of Montana has been contacted and will send an investigator.

If someone is found to have been stealing, Sargeant said, the issue will turn into a criminal matter, and could result in administrative repercussions.

"If it's proved this is true, there's the possibility of criminal charges being filed," Sargeant said. "Charges would be filed with the state attorney's office and they would review as to whether they will charge and with what."