WALLACE – Another administrator at the Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office has resigned, and it may not be the last. 

On Tuesday, Jail Captain 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. 

“There are several factors that have influenced my decision. Most notably, I have felt a lack of sustained support from the county commissioners and the county clerk,” Lopez wrote. “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. I would like to acknowledge Dave Dose for his support of our office, and I am thankful for that collaboration. I also acknowledge that persistent negativity and attacking of our agency by certain members of the community have presented significant challenges that have weighed on my decision.” 

Administrators at the SCSO have been at odds with the county commissioners and clerk concerning the department’s recently slashed budget. Lopez had been openly 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. 

“The demanding schedule has taken a toll,” Lopez said. “Not being able to spend the time needed with my family and a sense of being underappreciated and unsupported by some of the BOCC as well as the county clerk. 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.” 

Lopez’s resignation comes less than a week after former Sheriff Holly Lindsey abruptly stepped down following an investigation into 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. 

Internal discussions have begun about the possibility of closing the jail entirely. Stutzke hopes to avoid that outcome, citing the financial burden of housing and transporting inmates to other counties. 

“We’re doing everything we can to avoid that right now,” Stutzke said. “I don’t know if we can safely operate it right now. We can staff it by forcing overtime from patrol, but that’s going to pull resources off the streets.” 

Shoshone County commissioner Jeff Zimmerman declined to comment on the matter. However, Commissioner Dose did offer his thoughts on the matter. 

“I am sorry to see another deputy leave the county, especially one as hard-working and dedicated as Capt. Lopez has been," Dose said. "He will be hard to replace.”

Commissioner Melissa Cowles stated that she had not personally received a resignation letter from anyone at the sheriff's department. 

Next week, Shoshone County will attempt to pass a $2 million override levy to support the SCSO. If the levy fails, the department would immediately face position cuts, though Stutzke said that may not be necessary, as he expects more resignations if the measure does not pass.