The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) has found no wrongdoing in its investigation of retired Morris County Sheriff Jay Simecka in the theft of fuel from the county.
An anonymous source contacted The Sentinel with information on the state investigation after local media in the county seat of Council Grove ignored his efforts to begin a probe of the story.
According to The Council Grove Republican Simecka announced in May of this year his retirement after 32 years of service. Simecka also previously served as undersheriff of Shawnee County, according to our source. His retirement was effective August 1st
Both Undersheriff Scott Coover, who was endorsed by Simecka in the August primary to replace him, and Public Works Director Shelley Lautt referred our questions to County Attorney Bill Halvorsen. Halvorsen confirmed the investigation into Simecka has ended:
“The allegations against former Sheriff Simecka were fully investigated by an independent and competent outside agency that found no wrongdoing against Sheriff Simecka. There will be no charges filed, and the matter is closed.”
In response to our question whether anyone else is being investigated for the theft, Halvorsen reiterated:
“The case is closed.”
That announcement was confirmed by KBI Communications Director Melissa Underwood:
“The KBI investigated these allegations and found no findings of criminal wrongdoing.”
We reached out to former Sheriff Simecka for comment. He did not respond.
