Lake County undersheriff resigns

Lake County Undersheriff Karey Reynolds, recently the focus of an investigation into an allegation of perjury, has announced his resignation.

“Over the past months, it has become increasingly clear to me that the office would be better served if the position of undersheriff were restructured,” Reynolds wrote in a letter explaining his departure. “Part of this restructuring would require an undersheriff with much stronger skills and experience in human resources than I currently possess.”

The perjury investigation came as the result of a determination by Montana Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) officials that Reynolds had exaggerated his work history at the Ronan Police Department, erroneously claiming 20 straight years of experience, and needed additional training.

During his time with the Sheriff’s Office before that determination, Reynolds provided a sworn affidavit in a rape case he was assigned to, stating the exaggerated length of employment that POST officials had determined was incorrect.

That controversy arose at the same time as renewed inquiries into past allegations of poaching and general corruption, a notion Reynolds mentioned in his letter.

“It is no secret that the Sheriff’s Office is going through a difficult time,” Reynolds wrote. “Rumors of officer wrongdoing continue to be rehashed despite the fact that the election is long past and that, like Elvis, previous administrations have left the building.

“I am greatly saddened to see that the reputations of the outstanding men and women who protect and serve the people of Lake County have been damaged through the spiteful mud-slinging of an unhappy minority who have allowed their personal agendas to ride roughshod over their loyalty and good sense,” he said.

Lake County Sheriff Jay Doyle also issued a press release, saying Sheriff’s Detective Dan Yonkin is taking over for Reynolds as of Feb. 14.

“I would like to thank Undersheriff Reynolds for his dedicated service to the citizens of Lake County over the past year,” Doyle wrote, adding “I am confident that Dan’s 12 years of experience in the law enforcement field will assist him in doing an excellent job as Lake County Undersheriff.”

Reporter Jesse Davis may be reached at 758-4441 or by email by jdavis@dailyinterlake.com.