Sheriff McNamee appeared before the Board of Supervisors for the third time in recent months, reiterating his request for the county to approve funding for outside counsel, citing a conflict of interest within the County Attorney’s Office and inadequate legal representation during official proceedings.
McNamee explained that he had traveled to Des Moines on April 10 at the request of the Iowa Attorney General’s Office to provide a deposition regarding the certification status of a former Henry County deputy. During the deposition, he said he was informed that the Attorney General’s staff did not represent him and that he would need legal counsel—either from the county or privately retained.
Despite prior rejections of his request for outside counsel, McNamee emphasized the burden the ongoing matter has placed on him personally, saying: “I mortgaged my home to pay for legal expenses on a county matter.” However, he clarified that he is not currently requesting reimbursement for past expenses—only approval of future legal representation, specifically from Ellis Law Firm, at county expense.
The Board did not make an immediate decision.