Is Bob Norris’ Beloved Helicopter Program Surrounded By Questionable Activity?
Media Source: The Idaho Sheriff
What is the relationship between a private helicopter, the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office, and the CDA Tribal Police? Is it all a coincidence or is there more to it? Consider the following:
- A Non-Profit corporation Kootenai County Regional Air Support (KCRAS) has donated its helicopter “Free of Charge” to the KCSO to include maintenance and insurance. But is it really a private entity or a public/private partnership with shared liability?
a. The 501 (C) (3) corporation was formed by Todd Stam-Aspen Homes, Terry Forester-Aspen Homes, and LT Mark Ellis -KCSO
b. The helicopter was purchased via 5 – $100,ooo donations from private donors and $200,000 from the CDA Tribe
c. Civil Asset Forfeiture funds of $100,000 were diverted from the county to purchase and install equipment onto the helicopter, which is not owned by the county, but has a KCSO employee listed as it’s agent. Is this a conflict of interest?
d. KCSO Lieutenant Mark Ellis is listed as the “Agent” of the KCRAS and the original address used to file with the SOS is the KCSO at 5500 N Government Way. An important question, why did the non-profit use the KCSO as their address?
e. The KCRAS aircraft (helicopter) was registered with the Federal Aviation Administration and listed the KCSO at 5500 N Government Way as their address despite the fact that the claim is that the KCSO does not own the aircraft
2. The Coeur d’ Alene Tribe’s request for a change in law enforcement responsibilities after donating 200k for the purchase of the KCRAS helicopter. Was the donation really given to buy from KCSO Sheriff Bob Norris the favor to take over law enforcement for tribal lands inside KC?
a. In a series of emails between their tribal counsel and KCSO Lt Sifford requests to become primary law enforcement on tribal lands for both tribal and non-tribal members. Tribal police are Federal law enforcement and not county like the KCSO.
b. KC Prosecutor Stanley Mortensen and US Assistant Attorney Tracy Whelan discuss options via a series of emails
c. KCSO agrees to cross deputize all CDA Tribal police officers
d. Benewah County Sheriff Eells confirmed that the BCSD has been dispatched to KC emergency calls on tribal land due to no KCSO deputies being in KC District #4. He was not advised of KCSO granting primary law enforcement to tribal police
e. In 2023, the CDA Tribe requested that the Board of County Commissioners re-zone 25k acres on tribal land from rural to agricultural and are also litigating for control of water. Does the tribe have its sights on more control on tribal lands?
The non tribal citizens of Kootenai County, especially those who live on the tribal land, deserve to know who is actually providing law enforcement services to an area that is approximately one-third of Kootenai County? Where are the property taxes and services that the citizens of KC are paying for going?
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Dan Wilson for Kootenai County Sheriff 2024
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