(Minnewaukan, ND) — The North Dakota Attorney General’s Office is launching a criminal investigation against the former Benson County Sheriff. Last week, Ethan Rode announced his resignation after citing payroll issues. Instead, a report shows that Benson County prosecutor James Wang accused Rode of misconduct, including gross incompetence and neglect of duty in office. Rode allegedly failed to submit reports for criminal incidents and hired a former chief deputy who lost his peace officer license. Wang asked Governor Kelly Armstrong to remove Rode from office nearly two months ago, but no formal removal process has been confirmed.
