Strommen Resigns from Sheriff's Office

Valley County Sheriff Vernon Buerkle reported that former Undersheriff and Deputy Luke Strommen has resigned his position at the Sheriff’s Office. Buerkle stated that Strommen’s letter cited “personal reasons” as the justification for his resignation.

Although speculation of the move has been rampant as the public complained of Strommen’s receipt of administrative leave with pay during an investigation into alleged sexual misconduct, the move became even more likely following the release of an indictment against Strommen for actions taken while on the job.

That investigation resulted in charges being filed by the State’s Division of Criminal Investigation of one count Sexual Abuse of Child, which according to charging documents, is connected to his alleged receipt of sexually-explicit images via email four years ago from a then 17-year-old girl he was engaged in a consensual relationship with.

The investigation was referred to DCI by the Valley County Sheriff’s Office following information from the public back in June of 2018. Strommen had been on paid leave pending the results of the investigation since that time.