To the editor:

I am Matt Ibberson. I have 11 years of law enforcement experience: Deputy Sheriff of Brown County, Sleepy Eye and Brownton Police Departments. I filed for Brown County Sheriff but did not advance in the primary election. I ran a common sense campaign and have no regrets.

Let me start by saying, there were problems in the Brown County Sheriff’s office causing four of us to run for the position.

I have first-hand experience working with both candidates. There is no question that Jeff Hohensee should be the next Brown County Sheriff. Often I have come to Jeff Hohensee with questions on sex and drug cases, child protection investigations, and search warrants. Jeff has the answers based on his past proven experiences.

Jason Seidl worked for 12 years at the Brown County Jail. He then has worked 12 years in the administration for the Brown County Sheriff’s Department. What Seidl is missing is full time working experience of a deputy sheriff or a full time police officer.

Seidl lists the Vasquez murder investigation as one of his accomplishments. On the night of the incident, Mr. Vasquez was brought in for questioning. Vasquez had killed and dismembered his girlfriend and mother of his two children. Vasquez was clearly our main suspect but due to lack of probable cause, Vasquez was released. I was fine with this until Chief Deputy Seidl released the two children to Vasquez. Without question, the two children should have been placed with Brown County Child Protection. This decision shows Chief Deputy Seidl’s lack of police experience and general police knowledge.

Citizens of Brown County, I don’t think we can elect Jason Seidl as sheriff. How can we in good faith have a sheriff, who has never done the job full time, supervise the deputies. We owe it to the wives, husbands, and children of all staff to elect a leader who has this first-hand experience. Jeff is a true leader with a proven record and experience. For these reasons, please join me in voting for Jeff Hohensee for Brown County Sheriff.

Matt Ibberson

Sleepy Eye