LPD officer bought alcohol for 19-year-old girl, investigators say

A Lincoln Police officer was cited for procuring alcohol for a minor, the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release Tuesday. 

Investigators cited Scott Bierle, 26, for supplying Mercedees Smith, 19, with alcohol. 

The two are in a dating relationship, Lancaster County Sheriff Terry Wagner said. 

Smith was cited for minor in possession of alcohol. 

On December 21, Lincoln Police Chief Jeff Bliemeister contacted Wagner with information a Lincoln Police Officer may have provided alcohol to a minor and asked if the Sheriff’s Office would conduct an investigation into the potential criminal violation while the Lincoln Police Department conducted an internal investigation.

The investigation revealed off-duty officers gathered at a local bar on December 16, where Bierle purchased alcohol for Smith. 

There is no indication other Lincoln Police Officers who were present were responsible for any criminal violations.

There is also no indication Smith was intoxicated or was subjected to any unwelcome conduct.

Bierle was placed on modified duty. 

Bierle and Smith are scheduled to appear in Lancaster County Court February 13. 2019.

Lincoln Police Chief Jeff Bliemeister issued the following statement late Tuesday afternoon:

Earlier today, the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office cited Officer Scott Bierle for procuring alcohol for a minor.  In addition, Mercedees Smith was cited for minor in possession of alcohol. The public release by Sheriff Wagner was a cooperative effort. 

This investigation began when Lincoln Police Officers came forward with information of a potential criminal violation by a co-worker, at a Lincoln bar where we have enforcement responsibilities.  The incident occurred while other off-duty Lincoln Police employees were at the same event.  Based on the combination of those factors and my past practice, I asked Sheriff Wagner to have his Office investigate the allegations.

The employees that brought the information forward, did what is right and what is expected for members of the law enforcement profession.  In order to ensure separation between the criminal and administrative investigations, an internal affairs investigation began after the citations were issued. 

The criminal justice system and our internal processes will continue, ultimately determining responsibility for actions in contrast the mission and values of our agency.