Email Shows Officer LeRette Returned To Duty
This email thread dates from November 18–19, 2024. It centers on Officer LeRette’s return from administrative leave. Douglas County District Attorney Mark Fruehauf asked City of Superior officials for an update on the internal process involving LeRette. He wrote that he had heard she was restored to active duty. He also stated his understanding that the internal process had not reached a finding or adjudication.
The exchange involved Mark Fruehauf, Jeffrey Harriman, Michelle Pope, Paul Winterscheidt, and City Attorney Frog Prell. Harriman replied on November 19, 2024. He confirmed that Investigator LeRette had been removed from administrative leave. He also said she had returned to narcotics investigative duties. Harriman stated he did not know whether she was working in Duluth or Carlton.
Prosecutor Raises Disclosure Concerns
Fruehauf’s concern was not casual workplace gossip. It went directly to criminal prosecutions. He warned that any unresolved internal matter involving possible dishonesty could affect his ethical duties. He said a finding of wrongdoing could become impeachment evidence. That evidence might need disclosure in cases where LeRette served as a witness.
Fruehauf also linked the issue to the Amotozio trial earlier that month. He wrote that he could not ethically proceed to conclusion in cases involving LeRette until the internal process finished, unless the defense waived the issue. His message framed the problem as a due process issue for the officer and a disclosure issue for defendants.
City Had Investigator’s Report
Harriman’s reply added an important fact. He said the investigator’s report had been received by the City. He understood that the City Attorney’s Office had the document. He then directed Fruehauf toward City Attorney Frog Prell and City HR Director Cammi Janigo for further help.
Public Accountability Issue
The public concern is clear. A narcotics investigator returned to duty while a related internal process appeared unresolved. The county prosecutor warned that arrests, search warrants, and prosecutions could stall. Fruehauf strongly suggested that LeRette not make arrests or refer search warrants until the matter reached conclusion.
For taxpayers, the email raises basic oversight questions. Who approved the return to duty? Who held the investigator’s report? Why had the prosecutor not received a clear timeline? The record does not answer those questions. It shows a prosecutor asking them, and city officials pointing him toward legal and human resources offices.
Mark Fruehauf – Douglas County District Attorney
Frog Prell – City of Superior Staff Directory
Cammi Janigo – City of Superior Human Resources
Superior Police Department Staff Directory
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Legal Disclaimer
This post summarizes a public record obtained through lawful records access. It is provided for news, research, commentary, and government accountability purposes. The summary does not allege criminal conduct by any person. Any unresolved allegations, investigations, or employment matters should be treated as unproven unless confirmed by official findings or court records.
