Chippewa County Sheriff Hakes Responds to Deputies’ Statement

Chippewa County Sheriff Travis Hakes has responded to a statement made by the Chippewa County Deputy Sheriff’s Association.

On Monday morning, Chippewa County Deputies released a critical statement through the Wisconsin Professional Police Association regarding the investigation into Sheriff Travis Hakes. The statement detailed the distraction that the controversy has caused in the department and the community, as well as issues that could affect the successful investigation and prosecution of cases.

Chippewa County Sheriff Hakes has been the subject of an investigation by the county since last summer. The investigation began with accusations Sheriff Hakes had sent inappropriate messages to employees, conducted private business while operating in his role as Sheriff, and missed trainings and meetings he should have attended.

In the course of the investigation, it was also revealed that Sheriff Hakes had a Brady concern stemming from his time with the Chetek Police Department. That issue led to Sheriff Hakes agreeing not to participate in investigations and handling of evidence as his credibility could be called into question in a trial.

As part of the statement, deputies said “This unprecedented situation casts an unfair and embarrassing shadow on the deputies that have sworn to uphold their oath to protect and serve the public.”

On Monday afternoon, Sheriff Hakes released a response to the statement. He noted that he respected the First Amendment rights of the deputies in the department and said he had worked to create a culture of transparency. He also said “I look forward to putting the past behind us and working to meet the public safety needs of the people of Chippewa County.”

The Chippewa County Deputies’ statement also said “Though we recognize our obligation to work with Sheriff Hakes as our superior, we cannot condone his actions.” The members of the union voted unanimously to release the statement.