Chinook Opinion Editor Claims Felony Fuel Theft By Sheriff & Deputies
Item:
Letter from Mike Perry to Montana Attorney-General
Date: June 15, 1989
The Chinook Opinion
COMMERCIAL PRINTERS
P.O. Box 97
CHINOOK, MONTANA 59523
15 June 1989
Mr. Marc Racicot
Montana Attorney General
215 N. Sanders
Helena, MT 59620
Dear Mr. Racicot:
Last year, before Mr. Greely left office, he issued a letter
regarding the alleged theft of nearly 3,000 gallons of gasoline
by Blaine County Sheriff's office personnel. In cooperation with
the Blaine County attorney, he said although the law had been
broken, nothing would be done.
I have become aware of the efforts in Powder River County to
investigate such alleged thefts. I am asking you to review the
information around the Blaine County case and conduct a thorough
investigation if evidence dictates possible misconduct.
I believe the case was never investigated. Rather, there was
an attempt to hide the true facts because the sheriff and his then
undersheriff were alleged to be stealing gasoline. As you recall,
a letter came to the Chinook opinion, Crimestoppers, and, I
believe, the county commissioners charging misconduct. I had
opportunity to talk with the informant by telephone on one or
two occasions and I was told the informant has seen both the
sheriff and undersheriff putting gasoline in their private vehicles
at a distributor where the sheriff's office also obtains gasoline.
The informant said he couldn't remember exact days but did
recall the month and year. I know by talking to employees of the
vendor that the undersheriff did not have a charge account with
that place until after he resigned. I have heard, although
unsubstantiated, the sheriff did not have an account there.
I have also been told by employees in the county that the
sheriff may have done acts similar to those in Powder River
County. In one instance, he transported a man to Kalispell who
had been given a deferred sentence for theft to undergo substance
abuse treatment. I'm told he took his personal vehicle and family
on a weekend "vacation" for which the travel was alleged to be
at county expense.
The letter the county attorney sent to Greely was not quite
accurate as to the position of the county commissioners. One
was adamantly opposed to letting the situation lie and wanted
an investigation.
If you need more information, feel free to contact me.
Very Truly Yours
Mike Perry
Free Speech Newspaper
18631 North 19th Avenue
Suite
128-200
Phoenix, Arizona 85027
BUS (602) 587-9604 FAX (602) 587-9628