Complaints filed in Lake County sheriff's race

Three men filed complaints against Lake County sheriff’s candidate Jay Doyle this week.

The complaints allege that campaign flyers were placed in Polson-area mailboxes at homes where yards contained signs for one of Doyle’s opponents.

The flyers state: “Perhaps it is time to reconsider who you support and whose sign is in your front yard.”

The complaints allege that the flyers contain personal communications obtained from e-mails from computers obtained from former deputy Terry Leonard’s home during a search.

The complaints further allege that the flyers are an illegal attempt to interfere with ongoing criminal investigations by the Lake County Attorney’s Office and the Montana Peace Officers Standards Training office.

The complaints list seven alleged violations of Montana law, including privacy in communications and coercion or undue influence of voters, and one alleged violation of U.S. law, namely mail fraud.

The complaints were signed by Troy Ricciardi, Bob Williams and John Swenson.

Doyle, currently the Lake County undersheriff, is running as a Republican against two other members of the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.

Steve Kendley is running as an Independent while Dan Yonkin is a Democrat.