WALLACE — Another administrator at the Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office has resigned. 

On Tuesday, Jail Capt. Eli Lopez submitted a letter announcing his plan to resign in December. In the letter, Lopez described the decision as “incredibly difficult,” but cited several frustrations that led to his departure after a decade with the agency. 

“I recognize that leadership challenges exist in every organization, but the absence of consistent backing has made it increasingly difficult to perform at my best," Lopez said. 

Administrators at the SCSO have been at odds with the county commissioners and clerk concerning the department’s recently slashed budget. Lopez had been critical of both offices in recent months.  

Lopez also noted the personal toll of working in the jail. Due to ongoing staffing shortages, he regularly worked more than 60 hours per week. As a salaried employee, he received no additional compensation for the extra hours. He said he felt underappreciated.

“These factors have collectively influenced my choice to move forward and seek new opportunities where I can continue to contribute in a meaningful way, be compensated for my actual hours worked, and maintain an appropriate work-life balance," he wrote.

Lopez’s resignation comes less than a week after former Sheriff Holly Lindsey abruptly resigned after she was involved in a reported hit-and-run incident in Osburn. 

Interim Sheriff Lance Stutzke expressed gratitude for Lopez’s service. 

“Eli has dedicated his blood, sweat and tears to this place,” he said. “I’ve haven’t seen many people more committed to the SCSO than him. Him leaving is really hard for our team. It’s going to be almost impossible to replace him.” 

Stutzke, who is currently serving as both sheriff and undersheriff, said Lopez’s departure adds to the strain on the department. 

“It’s just one hit after another,” Stutzke said. “We have to have someone to fill in that role. I can’t do three jobs.” 

The jail has long been a source of frustration for the county, largely due to staffing challenges, low wages and the demanding nature of the work. Earlier this year, commissioners approved the use of unused salary funds to pay patrol deputies overtime to work in the jail. 

Finding a replacement for Lopez is a top priority for Stutzke, who hopes to fill the position internally. The liability and safety responsibilities of the jail make the role critical. 

Shoshone County Commissioners Jeff Zimmerman and Melissa Cowles declined to comment on the matter. Commissioner Dave Dose said he was sorry to see another deputy leave the county, "especially one as hard-working and dedicated as Capt. Lopez has been.

"He will be hard to replace," Dose said.

Next week, Shoshone County will attempt to pass a $2 million override levy to support the SCSO.