A Buchanan County Sheriff’s deputy who was embroiled in a controversy over a digitally altered photo of a female officer has been fired after losing an appeal. The Buchanan County Board of Supervisors Monday approved the termination of former deputy Tracey Bantz. Sheriff Bill Wolfgram fired Bantz in September, but Bantz appealed to the County Civil Service Commission. The commission affirmed the dismissal October 3rd. Bantz was relieved of his duties because of two incidents of insubordination in July and August. He was also involved in a lawsuit filed against the county by former Deputy Crystal Kiesau. Four years ago Bantz had digitally altered a photo of Kiesau, making it appear that she was topless. He then circulated the image via e-mail. Kiesau won a lawsuit against Bantz and agreed to a settlement with the county. Bantz is the son-in-law of former Buchanan County Sheriff Leonard Davis.
