Bismarck  (CSi)   – Gov. Burgum Friday ordered the reinstatement of McKenzie County Sheriff Gary Schwartzenberger to the position of sheriff.

On Nov. 23, 2016, then Gov. Jack Dalrymple placed Schwartzenberger on interim suspension upon the recommendation of Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem after the McKenzie County Commission voted in favor of a petition for removal. Special Commissioner Karen Klein found no substantiated ground for removal of Schwartzenberger and recommended he be returned to the elected office of sheriff.

Schwartzenberger’s reinstatement is effective immediately.