FOLEY -- The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is investigating a Benton County Sheriff's Deputy to determine whether he forged or copied the signatures on court filings.

Deputy Chad Haas was working as a member of the Violent Offender Task Force when a routine review of his work performance showed the irregularities.

Sheriff Troy Heck says they take these matters seriously and asked the BCA to handle the investigation to ensure there is no conflict of interest.  He says they are waiting for the investigation to be completed to see if any criminal charges are warranted.

Heck would not say whether Deputy Haas is on active duty or on leave.  He said once the investigation is complete, they will then decide whether any internal discipline is appropriate.

According to a search warrant filed in Benton County District Court, the BCA is investigating whether Deputy Haas copied or forged the signatures of judges on search warrants he filed.

Haas has denied copying or writing judges signatures. Records show Haas had fallen behind on his paperwork and admitted to a lack of organizational skills.

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