Former western Nebraska sheriff found guilty in stolen gun case

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — A former sheriff in southwest Nebraska was convicted Tuesday of trying to steal a gun from his agency.

Former Dundy County Sheriff Clinton Smith, 43, pleaded no contest to attempted possession of a stolen firearm.

That charge was reduced from possession of a stolen firearm under a plea deal. Prosecutors also dropped a misdemeanor theft charge.

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Voters recalled Smith in November 2023 because he didn’t earn his law enforcement certification.

The sheriff’s office soon found that four handguns were missing, according to court documents.

On Dec. 8, 2023, the Nebraska State Patrol searched Smith’s home and found one of the guns.

Smith is set to be sentenced on March 6. He faces up to three years in prison and a $10,000 fine.