Custody violation charges filed against police chief

    On the heels of an exoneration of complaints filed with the Nebraska Crime Commission, a special prosecutor has filed felony charges against Imperial Police Chief Ryan Wisnieski.
    According to Wisnieski’s attorney, Steve Delaney of Bellevue, the charges are in connection with a civil standby by Wisnieski, requested by a party during a child custody exchange.
    “We are at a loss as to why these charges are being filed. We don’t see any crime that has been committed,” Delaney said.
    He added, “We’re looking forward to resolving this matter and expect complete exoneration.”
    On Feb. 17, Chase County Attorney Arlan Wine filed a felony “violation of custody” charge against April Dawn Gleason, 34, of Palisade.
    The charge states Gleason, on Feb. 7, 2020, “knowing that she had no legal right to do so or, heedless in that regard, took a child under the age of 18 years from the custody” of the minor’s parent having legal custody.
    On Feb. 12, Chase County District Court Judge David Urbom  approved a motion from Wine to appoint a special deputy county attorney to prosecute a related case being brought against Police Chief Ryan Wisnieski.
    Wine cited a conflict of interest in making the request to the district court. Keith County Attorney Randy Fair of Ogallala was appointed as the special prosecutor.
    On Feb. 25, Fair filed two Class IV felony charges and three Class II misdemeanor charges against Wisnieski.
    All five charges related to the same alleged child custody violation incident that resulted in Wine filing charges against Gleason.
    The same felony charge of “violation of custody” filed against Gleason was also filed against Wisnieski. The other felony charge was for “aid and abetting violation of custody.”
    Both of those charges were also filed as Class II misdemeanors, along with an “official misconduct” misdemeanor charge.
    Special Prosector Fair said he was unable to make any comments on the case at this time.
    There were no probable cause for arrest warrant affidavits filed on either case by the agency or agencies conducting the investigations. Confirmation of who conducted those investigations was not available.
    As a result, neither Gleason nor Wisnieski were arrested on the charges. They were each served citations in lieu of arrest and ordered to appear for arraignment in Chase County Court Wednesday, March 11.
    Wisnieski’s appearance is set for 8:30 a.m. Gleason’s appearance is slated for 1 p.m.
    Delaney said it’s unlikely any evidence in the case will be presented at the arraignment. That will likely occur during the preliminary hearing.
    “We’re anxious to see the evidence,” he said.
    With Wisnieski’s recent exoneration by the Nebraska Crime Commission of complaints filed against him, Delaney said the “timing of the new complaint is suspect.”
    The police chief just wants to do his job, Delaney said.