Lancaster County Sheriff says investigation into senator is underway

Lancaster County Sheriff Terry Wagner on Friday said his office has begun an investigation into Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh over her actions earlier this month in taking down wall displays at the State Capitol that were part of a U.S. 250th birthday exhibit by controversial conservative content creator PragerU.

Cavanaugh removed the pictures near her office last week. At the time, she said she believed the display, called “The Road to Liberty,” did not belong on the walls near senators’ offices. None of the displays were damaged, and the Nebraska State Patrol did not issue any citations.

Cavanaugh later apologized to her legislative colleagues, saying she regretted her actions.

Wagner said his office was asked to investigate because the Nebraska State Patrol provides security for senators, making for a potential conflict of interest.

“It sort of puts them in a precarious position to protect somebody and then do the investigation into the same person,” he said.

Wagner said he has assigned an investigator who will look at video and audio evidence and speak with witnesses and security personnel.

“When those interviews and reviews are complete, we’ll consult with Lancaster Attorney Pat Condon to determine if a crime has been committed and what that might be,” Wagner said.

Wagner said his office has not yet talked to Cavanaugh, who other than the apology to her legislative colleagues has not commented publicly.

She also faces potential discipline from the Legislature’s Executive Committee, although Sen. Ben Hansen, chair of the committee, said it plans to wait to consider any action until the criminal investigation is complete.