A Lancaster County Sheriff’s sergeant has been cited for failing to serve two arrest warrants. Sheriff Terry Wagner says last month Sergeant Ryan Schmuecker made contact with two people who had outstanding warrants for failing to pay fines and costs.
“The sergeant released both people without arresting either one, instead, instructing them to show up and pay their fines,” Wagner says. He says that is a potential violation of state statute because he failed to take them into custody.
Wagner says after learning about the incident he asked Lincoln Police to investigate and determine if a crime had been committed. “On Wednesday Sergeant Schmuecker was cited for neglecting to serve a warrant and official misconduct.”
Wagner says he then launched an internal investigation into the matter. Schmuecker has been placed on administrative leave. Wagner says if the 19-year veteran is convicted, he would lose his job per state statute.
Schmuecker has served multiple roles within the office and currently serves as a shift supervisor of the Patrol Division.