Stanek Sorts Out Strike Force Changes

MINNEAPOLIS - Hennepin County Sheriff Rich Stanek will explain Friday his decision to remove the commander of the Metro Gang Strike Force from his post.

Commander Chris Omodt had the task of cleaning up the embattled gang strike force. The hurdles were clear on Wenesday when Omodt told an advisory board his thin staff of detectives didn't have enough desks, email or even a legal advisor.

In a news release Thursday evening, Stanek praised Omodt's sterling record and said he'll explain to pull him out of the position Friday.

Omodt took over the strike force in January, shortly after an audit alleged mishandling of seized cash and cars. The FBI is investigating the strike force about $18,000 in missing cash, and two dozen missing cars that had been given to a for=profit car dealer.

The change also comes less than 24 hours after a FOX 9 investigation into West St. Paul police Chief Bud Shaver , the chairman of the board that overseas the Strike Force. FOX 9 discovered Shaver's 19-year old daughter Anna was part of a Gang Strike Force investigation earlier this year.
Along with her boyfriend, Todd Anderson, the two were suspected in a home invasion and of dealing methamphetamine out of St. Paul hotel, all while driving a white Pontiac registered to Chief Shaver.

According to police reports obtained by FOX 9, Shaver intervened by asking strike force members if they did catch his daughter that they contact him and not forfeit his vehicle. When police arrested Anna, Chief Shaver retrieved his car from the parking lot of the St. Paul Police Department before it could be properly searched.

Stanek has emphasized that Omodt was not a member of the original strike force when the mismanagement took place. Omodt will return to regular duties at the Hennepin County sheriff's office. No other officers from the old unit will be on the interim team.

Minneapolis police have already taken their officers out of the strike force.