Candidate Ran Improper Background Check, State Says

Wed., Oct. 30, 1996

Associated Press

A state investigation says Democrat Jeff Crouch, a candidate for Latah County sheriff, ran an improper FBI background check on his opponent, Sgt. Norm Van Ness Sr.

Seven days later, Crouch’s campaign treasurer, police dispatcher Steve Janzen, ran the record again, investigators say.

That was seven months ago. Crouch won the primary election over Van Ness and faces Republican Kenneth Piel, who ousted incumbent Sheriff Joe Overstreet in the primary.

The attorney general’s office released an investigative report on the incident on Monday. Crouch did not return telephone calls seeking comment. He has been a Moscow patrol officer for about three years.

State investigator Don Peterson determined Crouch and Janzen ran separate checks on Van Ness.

“If Mr. Crouch didn’t know he couldn’t do this, then he doesn’t have the experience or knowledge he claims to have,” Van Ness said Tuesday.

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Candidate Ran Improper Background Check, State Says

Jesse Tinsley

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Molly Quinn

Rob Curley

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