MADISON COUNTY RESIDENT WILL SEEK FORMAL INVESTIGATION INTO SHERIFF’S OFFICE REXBURG, ID

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Madison County resident Dan Roberts will seek a formal investigation into the Madison County Sheriff’s Office’s decisions to spend concealed weapons permit fees on guns, carpet, tile and a car.

"It seems we have reached a stalemate, as the sheriff has said he has no culpability, the commissioners have washed their hands of it, and the people looking into it want answers," said Roberts, a 25-year Madison County resident. "I think the only way for that to happen is an independent investigation by the Attorney General’s office. All sides should be able to agree to that."

The request comes just one day after Attorney General Lawrence Wasden said on a Boise show his office is "aware" of the Madison County situation. IdahoReporter.com, a watchdog news outlet based in Boise, first revealed the sheriff spent more than $60,000 in concealed weapons fee money on a used car, tile and carpet for offices, and guns for deputies. The office purchased guns and the car just months after persuading county commissioners to increase concealed weapons permit fees 38 percent, IdahoReporter.com also revealed.

"Public officials must use taxes and fees in accordance with state law, and we’re not sure that’s what happened in Madison County," said Idaho Second Amendment Alliance President Greg Pruett. "We are pleased Mr. Roberts has decided to blow the whistle and ask for a formal investigation."

Pruett said his group continues taking necessary steps to protect responsible gun owners. "We feel a deep sense of duty to protect our numerous Madison County supporters and we are confident a formal investigation will get to the bottom of this situation," Pruett said.