FARGO (KFGO) – A petition has been filed by residents in North Dakota’s Oliver County asking for the removal of State’s Attorney Patrick Waters.
The petition makes 23 complaints that waters is guilty of misconduct, negligence and incompetency. It says that, among other allegations, Waters created a hostile work environment for county employees, refused to charge out cases of public safety and health referred by the Oliver County Sheriff’s Office, and illegally brought a gun into the Oliver County courthouse.
The petition asks the North Dakota Attorney General conduct an investigation into Waters and make a recommendation to North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong on if Waters should be removed.
Waters says he was unaware of the petition, and called the complaint signed by more than 250 people like Wes Klein “ridiculous”.
“Well this all presupposes the Attorney General would take a look at this and initiate an investigation. Were that to happen, oh yes, I’d be happy to present my side of the story.” Waters said. “Mr. Klein has engaged in defamation and libel, and I will likely look at all options available to me to hold him accountable for that.”
Klein says waters has weaponized his office.
“The important thing is, people are standing up,” Klein said. “I think we have to hold accountable who we elect and who is appointed to govern us.”
Waters and Klein made their comments on KFGO’s News and Views with Joel Heitkamp.
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