Nelson resigns as Kootenai County undersheriff
KAYE THORNBRUGH | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 1 hour, 15 minutes 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
Nelson resigns as Kootenai County undersheriff
Kootenai County Undersheriff Brett Nelson has resigned from his position, the sheriff's office confirmed Thursday afternoon.
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