KIMBALL, Neb. -- In an affidavit that was filed on Apr. 21, we learned that the Kimball Police Department, the Kimball County Sheriff's Office and the Kimball County Attorney's Office were searched on Apr. 12 by Nebraska state troopers with a warrant.

"They had search warrants and wanted to see files in the police department, and we fully complied," Mayor John Morrison of the City of Kimball said. "It is an ongoing investigation and we really can't talk about it right now.

The State Patrol is seeking law enforcement documents that might give them more information about possible illegal activity that took place when Kimball Police trainees were allegedly asked to work solo, investigate crimes on their own, and even interrogate witnesses by themselves while wearing uniforms and badges. Such behavior would be a violation of LB 51 that changed the protocols by which trainees could act as officers in the state. LB 51 took effect on Aug. 28, 2021, the incidents under investigation took place between Aug. 1, 2021 and Apr. 12, 2023.

The State Patrol is also investigating former Kimball Police Chief Andy Bremer. Bremer resigned from his post without notice on Apr. 20. It would be Bremer, not the city or trainees that would be held accountable in the event wrongdoing is proven during the investigation. He could be charged with Official Misconduct, which means he would pay up to $500 and lose his law enforcement certification.