Lake County jail commander charged and booked in Missoula jail
EMILY MESSER | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 1 month AGO
Emily Messer joined the Lake County Leader in July of 2025 after earning a B.A. degree in Journalism from the University of Montana. Emily grew up on a farm in the rolling hills of southeast Missouri and enjoys covering agriculture and conservation. She's lived in Montana since 2022 and honed her reporter craft with the UM J-School newspaper and internships with the RMEF Bugle Magazine and the Missoulian. At the Leader she covers the St. Ignatius Town Council, Polson City Commission and a variety of business, lifestyle and school news. Contact Emily Messer at [email protected] or 406.883.4343 | April 9, 2026 12:00 AM
Lake County Detention Commander Joel Shearer was arrested and charged with a first offense misdemeanor for alleged partner or family member assault that caused bodily injury, according to the Lake County Justice Court filing from Monday, March 30.
The Missoula County Inmate Charges and Court Schedule website stated that Shearer was booked into Missoula County on Sunday, March 29, under an “Administrative Billing” charge for Missoula holding Shearer for Lake County.
The Missoula Inmate website stated that Lake County was the arresting agency. Polson Police Chief George Simpson confirmed that his department was not asked to assist in the case, and said the sheriff’s office conducted their own investigation and made their own arrest, which is “not typical, but sometimes happens.”
Lake County Sheriff Don Bell, who oversees the Lake County Detention Center, said he cannot comment on this personnel issue. County Commissioner Bill Barron, who is on the Detention Studies Facilities Committee, said Shearer submitted a letter of resignation to the county.
Shearer's initial appearance hearing was on March 30, when he pleaded not guilty, and his bond was set at $85. His omnibus hearing is set for Monday, May 4, at 10 a.m.
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