Cooperstown, ND (trfnews.i234.me)—
Former Griggs County Sheriff Michael Beaver has pleaded guilty using an Alford plea in a felony public records tampering case.
What is an Alford Plea?
An Alford plea allows a defendant to maintain innocence while acknowledging that the prosecution has enough evidence for a conviction.
Case Background:
- Beaver was charged in September 2024 after an investigation by the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI).
- The charge stemmed from allegations that he altered an email chain before submitting it to the Griggs County Commission.
- The email falsely minimized his request for additional Highway Patrol support at an annual community event, where county commissioners criticized overzealous law enforcement actions.
- Beaver originally claimed he requested one trooper, but evidence revealed he actually asked for three.
Plea Deal & Sentencing:
- One year of probation
- 50 hours of community service
- If completed successfully, the charge will be dismissed from his record
Potential Penalty:
Tampering with public records is a Class C felony, carrying a maximum sentence of 5 years in prison. However, Beaver’s plea deal avoids jail time.
Will this case set a precedent for law enforcement accountability? Stay tuned for updates.
I’m Chris Harper, reporting for TRF News.
Did you know?
Michael Beaver resigned as Griggs County Sheriff and was working as a Wells County Deputy at the time of his charge.