COOPERSTOWN, N.D. (KFGO) – There is an arrest warrant out for a former sheriff in eastern North Dakota charged with felony tampering with public records for altering an email.  

It comes after controversy surrounding what the county commission called “overzealous policing.”   

Michael Beaver was Griggs County sheriff when he requested help from the Highway Patrol during the county’s annual Smoker fundraiser in Cooperstown in April. When asked why he requested so much help and why the enforcement was focused on Cooperstown, Beaver said he requested one trooper to help with the entire county due to staffing.   

Commissioners asked to see the email and Beaver submitted a copy he said was redacted to protect an investigation. The commission requested a copy from the Highway Patrol and learned that Beaver not only redacted, but altered the email.  

Instead of asking for one trooper for the entire county, Beaver asked for three to focus on Cooperstown because of the amount of people coming into town for the fundraiser.   

Griggs County State’s Attorney Jayme Tenneson requested the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation look into the altered email and, after investigating the matter, the BCI requested the warrant and charges.

Beaver admitted to altering the email because he was afraid of public backlash.   

Beaver was appointed sheriff in January. he and his deputy resigned in May.