Nebraska Liquor Control Commission votes to suspend executive director

The executive director of the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission, Hobert Rupe, has been suspended without pay following a joint federal and state investigation into alleged criminal conduct.

During a brief public meeting lasting fewer than three minutes Thursday afternoon, commission chairman Bruce Bailey said a federal search warrant was served at the Liquor Control Commission office Wednesday.

He made a motion to suspend Rupe without pay, which was seconded by the only other current commissioner, Kim Lowe.

“These alleged offenses relate to his fitness and ability to continue to serve in his present position, and immediate suspension is necessary pending receipt of further information,” Bailey said.

Following adjournment, Bailey told meeting attendees that more information is coming.

“You all may be wondering a lot of things as we are, and you'll know more over the next few weeks,” he said.

Rupe has been the executive director of the commission since 2004.