DUBUQUE, Iowa (KCRG) – A newly-hired Dubuque County Sheriff’s deputy who sparked backlash for years-old allegations of sexual abuse has resigned.
Dubuque County Sheriff Joe Kennedy announced yesterday that Deputy Matthew Pothoff had resigned, just days after posting to Facebook about his hiring.
That Facebook post drew public outcry because of a 2017 criminal charge against Pothoff, then 17, on allegations of sexual abuse.
Sheriff Kennedy told our coverage partner KCRGTV they were aware of the charge when hiring Pothoff. Sheriff Kennedy said the case was dismissed with prejudice for a lack of evidence and that he was confident in Pothoff’s abilities.
The hiring announcement sparked thousands of comments on social media, with a petition calling for his removal getting 18,000+ signatures and protests beginning to be scheduled.
