Lincoln police finish investigation into $2.5 million no-bid contract awarded by Governor’s Office

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Today, Oct. 30, the Lincoln Police Department (LPD) announced the completion of the 2024 $2.5 million no-bid emergency contract executed by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development.

Gov. Jim Pillen’s office awarded the contract. Afterwards, Nebraska State Auditor Mike Foley flagged the contract as suspicious due to the contract not being opened to other companies.

SEE ALSO: LPD now investigating Gov. Pillen’s $2.5 million no-bid contract awarded in 2024

Attorney General Mike Hilgers said LPD found no wrongdoing regarding Pillen’s office.

“On October 28, 2026, Lincoln Police briefed the Attorney General’s Office and agreed to submit their complete investigative file,” Hilgers wrote. “During the briefing, Lincoln Police Investigators reported that their investigation determined that the Governor’s Office was not implicated in any criminal wrongdoing.”

The investigation has been handed over to the State Attorney General’s Office for review, LPD said. Hilgers said the review will “follow the law and the highest ethical standards.”

Pillen said the investigation was political.

“This was political from the start. I’m glad it’s behind us so we can focus on the issues that matter most to Nebraskans and keep fighting to lower taxes, keep boys out of girls’ sports and protect our farmers,” Pillen said. “I appreciate the Attorney General’s confirmation this morning of what we knew all along: ‘Lincoln Police investigators reported that their investigation determined that the Governor’s Office was not implicated in any criminal wrongdoing.'”

Lynne Walz, the democratic candidate for governor in the upcoming election, said Hilgers should release the full investigative file.

“Today, Nebraskans just received a summary,” Walz said. “If Jim Pillen has been cleared, the Attorney General has every reason to release the full investigative file: every record, every email, and every interview, before Nebraskans vote on Tuesday. If he won’t, it’s because there’s something in there that Jim Pillen and his friends don’t want you to see.”