Sheriff’s deputy charged after putting personal purchases on office account

Makenz Allen Kriener

An investigation into possible criminal misconduct involving a Winneshiek County Sheriff’s deputy has resulted in charges.

A statement from the sheriff’s office said 33-year-old Makenz Allen Kriener of Fort Atkinson was charged with sales tax evasion — a class D felony — and fifth-degree theft — a simple misdemeanor. The sheriff’s statement said an immediate internal investigation began after law enforcement learned of the allegations — the sheriff’s office also said assistance from the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation was requested, due to the nature of the investigation.

Criminal complaints filed against the deputy said Kriener used a tax-exempt account associated with the sheriff’s office to make personal purchases — totaling less than $300 — from Norby’s Farm Fleet in Decorah. The complaint went on to say members of the Iowa DCI interviewed Kriener, and the 33-year-old “admitted the use of the items is on a mostly personal basis and (he) had stored the items at his residence.”

Court documents indicate Kriener has been given a court date of Jan. 13.

Winneshiek County Sheriff Dan Marx was unable to confirm Kriener’s employment status as of Jan. 2, citing legal restrictions under Iowa Code.

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Randy Haugen
Guest
26 days ago

Give the guy a break,, He is young and made a mistake.

Daniel Harkness
Guest
25 days ago

Don’t be scared to grow the moustache too, guy

John Arthur
Guest
25 days ago

Will it be eligible to be plea bargained to a county DC charge (civil forfeiture and restitution) or a deferred prosecution like so much other stuff or will they hammer him? So many double standards.

Irene Krivachek
Guest
25 days ago

This is a very nice honorable young man. He has gone through alot in his young life. He made a mistake, and instead of giving him a chance to correct his mistake he is punished .We all make mistakes and when we find out most people want to make it right, just like this. We have much bigger problems in this county and country that seriously need to be taken care of!! Give someone who made a mistake and is brave enough to protect and serve our community a break!

Denise Richie
Guest
Reply to  Irene Krivachek
22 days ago

A law enforcement officer should be held to a higher standard than an ordinary citizen. It comes with the title and responsibilities. He made the choice, he should live with the consequence.

Christopher M Boespflug
Guest
25 days ago

He deserves a break, it’s a lesson he will learn and be around to serve as an example of the Value of second chances. Please

Sandra Lloyd
Guest
24 days ago

Is on mostly personal base. I would like to know what the items were before I decide. Was it turtleneck sweaters to wear under the Uniform? gloves to keep fingers warm? Things that he does use for work sometimes so should be provided for and should be tax excempt? He paid for the items, just didn’t pay the tax, correct?

Last edited 24 days ago by Sandra Lloyd
Keith Amdahl
Guest
24 days ago

Those that enforce the rules should be held to the highest standards.

Casey Andrews
Guest
24 days ago

“Almost” 300 dollars cmon ? I would go way out on a limb and say this young man wouldnt have knowingly jeopardized his career for such a negligible amount. It seems like there may be some unknown personal motives for such a heavy-handed reaction. Even in the unlikely case that he intentionally made questionable purchases, i would wager that one would know they would face complete scrutiny for years to come if allowed to retain their position. I hope they give it some thought and give a guy a little break.