July 17: Omodt removed from interim force

Last update: August 20, 2009 - 11:28 AM

OMODT IS OFF INTERIM FORCE

The commander of the interim Metro Gang Strike Force, Chris Omodt, has been recalled from the position by his home department.

Hennepin County Sheriff Rich Stanek will hold a news conference today to announce that Omodt, a captain in his department, will return to the Hennepin Sheriff's Office.

A news release Thursday gave no explanation for the move but said Stanek will "describe his decision to recall Capt. Omodt" at the news conference.

In May, a state Legislative Auditor's report sharply criticized the way the anti-gang unit operated before Omodt became commander on Jan. 20. He "was not a member" of the Strike Force "when the mismanagement took place," the release said.

The Strike Force's operations were suspended indefinitely in June. Both the FBI and a panel appointed by state Public Safety Commissioner Michael Campion are conducting probes of the unit. The Strike Force's advisory board named Omodt commander of a 13-member interim anti-gang unit, which is to begin operations on Saturday.

RANDY FURST