The embattled sheriff of northwest Iowa’s Sioux County says he’s rejected an “offensive” offer from the county to resign but to remain on staff as a paid consultant at full salary and benefits. Sheriff Jim Schwiesow says county supervisor Stan De Haan of Orange City made the offer. Sheriff Schwiesow says he reacted by saying he’s not sure the offer is even legal. He says De Haan assured him it -is- legal and had details in a hand-written note. Schwiesow says he’s hasn’t asked anyone to research the legality of the offer. He says he can’t find any authorizations for the deal in the Code of Iowa.He calls the offer “pretty shabby treatment and a pretty shabby offer.” He says he was personally offended by the offer,as he says he’s put out 100 percent in his job.De Haan was unavailable for comment. Schwiesow has grabbed headlines in recent months for allegedly demoting a deputy who was running against him in the sheriff’s election and for his involvement in a nursing home murder case. He said recently he would not seek reelection.
