Editor’s note: On Sept. 7, Matt Harmann, Republican candidate for Guthrie County Sheriff, issued the following open letter to the citizens of Guthrie County:
I am writing this letter regarding my 2024 campaign for Guthrie County Sheriff. From the beginning of this campaign, I made a commitment to share a positive message. My opponent and I have different viewpoints on how to best serve the citizens of Guthrie County as sheriff.
I believe Guthrie County voters expect and deserve a dignified and professional campaign. Unfortunately, in late August, supporters of my opponent attempted to characterize me as an unethical and unfit candidate for sheriff through a published Letter to the Editor. I now take this opportunity to respond.
On the night of Dec. 16, 2023, and in the early morning hours of Dec. 17, 2023, I was one of two deputies on duty in Guthrie County. During my shift, an event occurred involving a third deputy, who was off duty at the time. The actions of the off-duty deputy are the subject of a formal review that has been in-process since January of this year. Out of respect for the confidentiality of the off-duty officer, I am unable to share the full details of this incident.
For nearly two months following this incident, I continued my service as a part-time deputy and certified K9 handler for the Guthrie County Sheriff’s office without any concerns being expressed about my performance or my actions. This abruptly changed upon the announcement of my campaign. On Feb. 1, 2024, I issued a press release stating I would be seeking the Republican nomination for the office of Guthrie County Sheriff.
On Feb. 2, 2024, I became the subject of a wholesale, politically motivated assault by the Guthrie County Sheriff and Guthrie County Attorney. I was immediately placed on unpaid administrative leave and have not worked in the seven months since my announcement. Dart, the K9 officer I handle, has also been out of service for the past seven months.
Immediately following my announcement, the Sheriff’s office opened an investigation into my actions on Dec. 16-17. I was directed by the Sheriff’s office to participate in an independent investigation, for which Guthrie County taxpayers paid $7,500. I participated in this investigation willingly and truthfully on Feb. 27, 2024.
The investigation’s purpose was twofold. First was to determine if I had interfered with an enforcement action of the other on-duty officer. The second was to assess if I had committed any policy, ethical, professional or legal violations related to this incident.
I am proud to share the results of this independent investigation found I did not interfere with an enforcement action, and I did not commit any policy, ethical, professional or legal violations.
Because the results of the independent investigation did not support the sheriff’s political goals, he inappropriately used his status and position to recommend my certification as a law enforcement officer be revoked by the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA).
Despite being cleared by the independent investigation, I have been forced to retain legal counsel, at my own expense, to defend myself against these allegations. I will continue to defend myself from baseless and politically motivated misinformation and persecution. I have not been decertified, and I have the utmost confidence in my continued status as a certified law enforcement officer.
I remain to this day a certified peace officer, committed to serving the people of our great county.
The actions of the Guthrie County Sheriff and Guthrie County Attorney represent a gross abuse of power and manipulation of facts. Their misconduct has not only sought to eliminate me as a political opponent, but it has also attempted to destroy my character as a member of the community.
In addition to impacting me, their actions have violated the confidentiality rights of the off-duty deputy who also remains certified in the state of Iowa and is still an employee of the Guthrie County Sheriff’s office. I will not stand by or remain quiet in the face of abusive authority.
On behalf of myself and K9 Officer Dart, I can assure you that we are committed to serving the citizens of Guthrie County with integrity as the next Sheriff of Guthrie County. And you have my promise that I will conduct myself with respect and dignity throughout the balance of this campaign. Thank you for your continued confidence and support.
Matt Harmann
Panora
