Dundy County sheriff seeks to block results of recall election

BENKELMAN, Neb. — Dundy County Sheriff Clinton J. Smith has asked a court to block the results of a recall election scheduled to be released today.

Smith faces the recall due to his inability to secure certification as a law enforcement officer. County commissioners withheld his paycheck after the state discovered he lied about his past, preventing him from being certified.

Sheriff Smith, despite the controversy, continues to work and claims the recall violates the U.S. Constitution.

He filed a lawsuit to block the release of the election results.

Elected in 2022, Smith had not obtained the required training or certification, but state law allowed uncertified candidates as long as certification was obtained within eight months.

Smith chose an alternative path, claiming authorization from another state, but the background check revealed inconsistencies, and he was denied certification. He did not appeal the denial but sought a “Good Cause Hearing,” which was also rejected.

Facing the recall initiated by residents, Smith filed a motion in federal court to block the election, arguing violations of his constitutional rights. Despite the controversy, he remains on the job and defiant, filing for a temporary injunction and seeking reinstatement of his salary.

Smith has also sought donations online, portraying himself as a ‘constitutional sheriff’ targeted for his support of gun rights.