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04/22/2006Deputy fired over consensual relationshipWoman was investigated for domestic violenceSUTTONS BAY — A Leelanau County sheriff's deputy allegedly initiated a "consensual" relationship with a woman he investigated as a suspect in a domestic violence case — and was fired as a result. Sheriff Michael Oltersdorf fired Bruce Beeker, 37, on Wednesday after an internal investigation found he violated his oath of office and "several departmental policies and procedures." Beeker's termination allegedly stemmed at least in part from a domestic violence complaint he investigated on March 18 involving Shari Prevost, 34, of Suttons Bay. Beeker and another deputy investigated after a man alleged Prevost, his ex-girlfriend, struck him in the face, according to police reports. Traverse City attorney Cici Clough said Prevost began to have a friendship initiated by Beeker shortly after the domestic assault took place. The relationship allegedly included personal telephone conversations. The relationship began while Prevost's case was active in the criminal justice system, Clough said. "As far as I know, it was simply a friendship," said Clough. "There was a mutual communication between the two of them. Not ever having had experiences with law enforcement, she didn't know this was wrong. She just thought he was trying to be nice to her." Beeker did not return calls seeking comment. Oltersdorf refused to specify why Beeker was fired and would not release internal investigation documents requested by the Record-Eagle through the state's Freedom of Information Act. Prevost pleaded guilty to a domestic violence misdemeanor on Friday and was given a delayed sentence of probation. Clough said Beeker initiated the relationship, but it was not forced or coerced. "They are no longer communicating," Clough said. "Her decision to plead guilty was not in any way based on outside influence, but to plead guilty because she was guilty." Beeker was suspended April 6. See related stories:
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