04/14/2006

Sheriff mum on suspension

Deputy under investigation by department

BY IAN C. STOREY

istorey@record-eagle.com

SUTTONS BAY — Leelanau County Sheriff Mike Oltersdorf won't say why he suspended a patrol deputy with nearly 11 years on the job.

Bruce Beeker, 37, was suspended pending an investigation into a possible violations of internal department "policy and procedures," Oltersdorf said.

Beeker, of Cedar, was placed on paid suspension April 6, but Oltersdorf said it would be "inappropriate" to comment specifically on an ongoing internal investigation conducted by Undersheriff Scott Wooters.

"I am not at liberty to discuss the matter because it is currently being investigated," said Oltersdorf. "He is guaranteed due process. We are attempting to substantiate if there were violations of our policy and procedures for internal operations.

"That is what is being investigated, alleged violations of policy and procedure," he said.

Repeated messages left with Beeker seeking comment were not returned.

Messages left by the Record-Eagle with Pat Spidell, a local union representative with the Police Officers Association of Michigan, weren't returned.

Oltersdorf said Beeker joined the sheriff's department in June 1995 but refused to say whether Beeker has had any other personnel issues in the past or how long the investigation may take to complete.

"I am not going to comment on his history at this time," he said. "The undersheriff will investigate this until he exhausts this process."