Posted
Friday, October 30, 2026
Earlier this year, Nebraska Auditor of Public Accounts, Mike Foley referred allegations to law enforcement concerning a contract executed by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development staff in May 2024.
At the Nebraska State Patrol’s request, the Lincoln Police Department began investigating in March 2026. Given the potential statewide and multi-jurisdictional issues, it was determined at the outset that the Attorney General’s Office would review the investigation and handle any resulting prosecutions, subject to an assessment of any conflict of interest. Specifically, if the Lincoln Police Department’s review implicated the Governor’s Office, the matter would be referred to the Lancaster County Attorney’s Office and not the Attorney General’s Office.
On October 28, 2026, Lincoln Police briefed the Attorney General’s Office and agreed to submit their complete investigative file. During the briefing, Lincoln Police Investigators reported that their investigation determined that the Governor’s Office was not implicated in any criminal wrongdoing. Based on that information, the Attorney General’s Office determined that no conflict prevented its review and agreed to accept the file for an independent assessment.
We thank the Lincoln Police Department for its thorough investigation. Our office will independently evaluate the evidence. That review will follow the law and the highest ethical standards. Our decisions will be guided solely by the evidence and the law.
Given the substantial public interest and the submission of the investigation file shortly before an election, we believe it is important to explain the status of this matter and our role.
Our review will begin immediately. We will take any further steps warranted.
