Former Nebraska sheriff gets jail and probation in stolen gun case

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — A former southwest Nebraska sheriff will serve time in the jail he once oversaw.

Clinton Smith, 43, of Benkelman was sentenced Thursday in the theft of a gun from his former agency, the Dundy County Sheriff’s Office.

Smith got two 45-day jail sentences, with credit for 14 days already spent behind bars.

SEE ALSO: Former western Nebraska sheriff found guilty in stolen gun case

After his first stint in jail, he will spend four years on probation.

If he follows the terms of probation, the court could waive his second jail sentence.

SEE ALSO: Former western Nebraska sheriff accused of stealing agency gun

In November 2023, Smith lost a recall election after failing to earn his law enforcement certification.

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

One of those guns was found in Smith’s home.

He pleaded no contest to attempted possession of a stolen firearm.