Friday, October 16, 2026
39.0°F

Nelson resigns as Kootenai County undersheriff

KAYE THORNBRUGH | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 1 month, 3 weeks AGO
by KAYE THORNBRUGH
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

Stateline shooter pleads guilty to manslaughter
October 16, 2026 1 a.m.

Stateline shooter pleads guilty to manslaughter

A DoorDash driver who fatally shot a pedestrian during a road rage incident near Stateline Speedway has pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter, though whether a judge will accept the pretrial settlement offer in the case remains to be seen.

Stateline shooter pleads guilty to manslaughter
October 16, 2026 1:09 a.m.

Stateline shooter pleads guilty to manslaughter

Prosecutors originally charged Edsel Johnson with first-degree murder

A DoorDash driver who fatally shot a pedestrian during a road rage incident near Stateline Speedway has pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter, though whether a judge will accept the pretrial settlement offer in the case remains to be seen.

Kootenai County history revealed
October 15, 2026 1:08 a.m.

Kootenai County history revealed

Community members get close-up look at time capsule contents

Liz Boutin is no stranger to historical artifacts. A museum professional and fine artist, Boutin said she's handled Egyptian and Greek items that date back to antiquity. But she had a new experience this summer, after local historical preservationists retrieved a 100-year time capsule from inside the outer wall of the old Kootenai County courthouse.