Nelson resigns as Kootenai County undersheriff
KAYE THORNBRUGH | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 3 weeks, 2 days AGO
Kaye Thornbrugh is a second-generation Kootenai County resident who has been with the Coeur d’Alene Press for six years. She primarily covers Kootenai County’s government, as well as law enforcement, the legal system and North Idaho College. | August 20, 2026 4:38 PM
Kootenai County Undersheriff Brett Nelson has resigned from his position, the sheriff's office confirmed Thursday afternoon.
"We appreciate his service and his dedication to the community," Kootenai County Sheriff Bob Norris told The Press. "He served honorably for six years."
The circumstances of Nelson's departure are not yet publicly known. Nelson did not immediately return a request for comment Thursday.
"No further information will be released," Lt. Mark Ellis said in an email.
After retiring from the Santa Ana Police Department in 2020, Nelson joined the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office as a deputy sheriff assigned to the jail before transferring to patrol. Norris selected him to be undersheriff in October 2021.
ARTICLES BY KAYE THORNBRUGH
Tunnel to Towers North Idaho 5K honors 9/11 victims, benefits first responder families
Tunnel to Towers North Idaho 5K honors 9/11 victims, benefits first responder families
When Jeff Snell ran along the Centennial Trail early Saturday morning, an American flag balanced on his shoulder, people out for a stroll in McEuen Park or along the lake paused as he passed, hands over their hearts.
25 years later, Kootenai County remembers 9/11
25 years later, Kootenai County remembers 9/11
Never forget. That was the promise Americans made after the Sept. 11 attacks. But 25 years later, Kootenai County Fire and Rescue Chief Pete Holley said memories of the attacks appear to be fading in many communities, including some in Idaho.
Senate candidate Todd Achilles talks breaking up the two-party system
Achilles, an independent U.S. Senate candidate and former state legislator, said he’s held more than 250 events across Idaho’s 44 counties since launching his campaign last summer.