Cass County Deputy fired from Sheriff's Office after internal investigation

Photo by: Cass County Sheriff's Office
Photo by: Cass County Sheriff's Office

(Fargo, ND) -- Cass County Deputy Jacob Danielson was officially fired Nov. 1st, according to a letter written by the Sheriff's Office.

The termination letter, written by Cass County Sheriff Jesse Jahner, states the internal investigation concluded that Danielson violated several policies, including Employee Conduct, General Standards, and Employee Performance. 

The incident sparking the investigation stems from then Deputy Danielson's arrest on August 2nd, 2021, after he was found driving under the influence of alcohol in the presence of a minor. Investigations revealed his two children were in the vehicle at the time of his arrest. You can read more about the incident here.

The termination letter also clarifies why Danielson's case is unique compared to previous DUI cases within the department.

“The Cass County Sheriff’s Office has had other employees in the past receive DUIs. Their discipline was determined on a case-by-case basis. I’m not aware of any other employee receiving a DUI with minors present in the vehicle. That makes this case different from past employee situations. In this case, Danielson endangered not only other drivers on the roadway, but his children.”

The Sheriff's letter also added that the decision to fire the deputy was complicated by a significant shortage of employees in their department. However, Jahner says that Danielson's decisions are still not excused, adding that Danielson was aware of the shortage of employees and still made the decision to drive while intoxicated. The letter describes other employees needing to cover his shifts while he was on administrative leave, causing "additional stress to an already tired Cass County Sheriff's Office Staff."

The Cass County Sheriff's Office wishes Jacob Danielson the best going forward.