The following comments were released by County Administrator Randy Scholz:
CHIPPEWA COUNTY BOARD INVESTIGATION REGARDING SHERIFF TRAVIS HAKES
On Tuesday, October 3, 2023, records responsive to public records requests from news organizations were released regarding an investigation authorized and directed by the Chippewa County Board at their meeting on Tuesday, June 20, 2023, involving allegations of misconduct by Chippewa County Sheriff Travis Hakes. The responsive records released include a redacted version of the investigation report, the public record request response cover letter, and augmentation provided by Chippewa County Sheriff Travis Hakes. During this process, the County Board followed the process available under law to the Board to investigate allegations of misconduct by a County elected official. The cover letter demonstrates Sheriff Hakes was informed several times about the reason for this investigation. During the investigation, Sheriff Hakes was also given several opportunities to participate in the investigation and provide information, but Sheriff Hakes declined to participate or provide information to the investigator.
As part of a motion voted on and approved by the Chippewa County Board on September 19, 2023, the matter was referred to the Chippewa County District Attorney’s office for review as to any issues within the District Attorney’s authority to address. This matter will be further addressed by the Chippewa County Board at the October 10, 2023 meeting.
There will be no further comment from my office or Chippewa County employees at this time.
