Pubdate: Sat, 20 May 2006
Source: Des Moines Register (IA)
Copyright: 2006 The Des Moines Register.
Contact:  http://desmoinesregister.com/index.html
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/123
Author: Jeff Eckhoff
Related: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v06.n459.a03.html
Related: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v06.n439.a12.html
Related: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v06.n422.a08.html
Related: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v06.n410.a03.html
Related:  http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v06.n410.a05.html

DALLAS COUNTY SHERIFF HEADS BACK TO WORK

Brian Gilbert has been under investigation since March, when some of 
the money seized during a traffic stop disappeared.

Dallas County Sheriff Brian Gilbert stood in front of four dozen 
friends and co-workers Friday and announced plans to resume his 
duties, despite a criminal investigation into a packet of money 
missing from a March 15 traffic stop.

"We're at a point where I am ready to return to work," said Gilbert, 
who has been on a self-imposed vacation since the state investigation 
began. "I have sworn to uphold a duty ... and it's time that I got 
back to work to do that."

Authorities say it was concerns raised by Gilbert's subordinates in 
March that prompted the sheriff and the Dallas County attorney to 
request that Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation agents look into 
what happened.

The allegations surround a missing packet from a stash of more than 
$781,000 that deputies found inside a 2000 Audi. The packet of money 
allegedly disappeared sometime between the time it was discovered 
during a traffic stop on Interstate Highway 80 and when it was 
counted at the sheriff's office in Adel.

Gilbert said Friday that he has allowed seven weeks for investigators 
and auditors to do their work. He plans to be back on the job Monday.

"I know what I have and haven't done," Gilbert said. "I did not steal 
any money from the sheriff's office. ... I feel like they've had 
sufficient time to confirm that."

Special Agent John Quinn said auditors are nearly finished with a 
review of the department's evidence room. That report, along with 
information gathered from other investigators, will be forwarded to 
the Polk County attorney's office, he said.

"It's going to take awhile," he said.

Gilbert said he spent the past seven weeks writing new guidelines for 
how Dallas County should handle seized evidence. Those procedures 
will be put in place after lawyers approve them, he said

"It's my intention to make sure that we have checks and 
counter-checks in place so there are no misunderstandings in the 
future," he said.

The cash was seized when Deputy Scott Faiferlick stopped the Audi, 
with Illinois license plates, for having darkened windows. The car 
was driven by Jesus Quinonez-Jimenez, who gave deputies a California 
address. When Faiferlick became suspicious, the car was moved to a 
Department of Transportation garage, where it was searched.

Deputies found 27 packets of money in secret compartments throughout 
the car. The money was photographed at the garage, then loaded into 
Gilbert's vehicle and driven to the sheriff's department.

Gilbert told deputies that he stopped at his home along the way 
because he noticed that his garage door was open.

Photos taken the next day, when the money was recounted with a bill 
machine, seem to show only 26 packets, authorities say.

Detectives searched Gilbert's home March 30. No charges have been filed.

Gilbert said he has spoken with "probably 95 percent" of department 
employees and believes "that those I've been in contact with believe 
in me. I believe I have a vote of confidence of the office to continue."

F. Montgomery Brown, Gilbert's lawyer, said he's been in touch with 
state investigators about Gilbert's return.
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman