Dodge County Sheriff Addresses Voids In DAs Office

A letter from Dodge County Sheriff Dale Schmidt.

As has been published recently in press releases from the Dodge County District Attorney’s Office, their office is going through a transition of prosecutors. As a result, I have fielded many questions regarding how the status of the district attorney’s office will affect law enforcement.

So everyone has an understanding of the status of the district attorney’s office, here is a breakdown of prosecutors as it stands today.

· District Attorney Kurt Klomberg – Resigned effective January 13, 2023.

· Managing Attorney – Retiring after a long career effective February 1, 2023.

· Assistant District Attorney – Retired after a long career in summer of 2022 but due to paid time off, position not able to be filled until February.

· Assistant District Attorney – Retiring after a long career effective on or after January 31, 2023.

· Assistant District Attorney – Currently on Family Medical Leave (expected to return).

· Assistant District Attorney – Resigned effective January 13, 2023 after taking another position in another county.

Certainly, this has the appearance to be troubling for law enforcement and will no doubt create challenges for the district attorney’s office. However, I can say that our district attorney’s office, from my perspective, has been run efficiently under the direction of Kurt Klomberg and as a result is set up for the success of those who step in to fill the role. They also have a fantastic group of support staff who really do keep the office moving well and will continue to do so.

Subsequent to the resignation of our district attorney, I shared with our sheriff’s office staff that law enforcement work will not change. We will continue to make arrests, request charges, and work with those prosecutors who are available. Our office will continue with business as normal as the world does not stop simply because of challenges we are faced with. We have overcome challenges in the past and we will overcome these challenges as well.

Since the resignation of the district attorney, I have received phone calls from neighboring district attorneys offering assistance. The state has also assigned several highly experienced retired prosecutors to fill the need here in Dodge County until a new district attorney and replacement prosecutors are appointed.

For Dodge County residents, this means that you have no need to fear that criminals will be let out because a prosecutor is not available. It may be a bit slower than we are used to, but the work will continue. Sheriff’s office employees, local police departments, and the district attorney’s office will continue to work together to do everything possible to keep you safe, protecting your lives, property and constitutional rights, and ensuring that Dodge County is a safe and enjoyable place to live, work, and visit.

Sheriff Dale J. Schmidt