By Allison Peck
**Read the previous article here**
The North Platte Police Department is providing more information about the federal investigation involving former investigator John Deal, outlining what the department knew about the investigation and when.
In a statement released Wednesday, NPPD said it first learned the FBI had served a search warrant at Deal's residence on August 4 as part of a federal criminal investigation.
At the time, the department says it was not given details about the investigation.
"The FBI did not provide the Department with specific details regarding the nature or scope of the investigation," NPPD said.
The department said the search warrant and federal criminal complaint had been sealed by the federal court, limiting the information available to police.
After being notified about the investigation and search warrant, NPPD said Deal was "immediately placed on administrative leave."
The department's next notification from the FBI came August 31.
NPPD said it was informed that a federal criminal complaint had been filed and that Deal would be arrested pursuant to a federal arrest warrant.
"Following his arrest, Deal resigned from the North Platte Police Department," the department said.
The federal complaint remained sealed until the afternoon of September 1. According to NPPD, that meant department officials had not been able to review the specific allegations against Deal before the document was made public.
"Prior to its unsealing, the Department had not been provided specific details regarding the allegations or the nature of the federal investigation," the department said.
Once the complaint was unsealed, NPPD said it was able to review the allegations contained in the federal filing.
NPPD says it cooperated with FBI
The department said it cooperated with federal investigators throughout the investigation and will continue to assist as requested.
"The North Platte Police Department cooperated with the FBI throughout the investigation and will continue to cooperate and provide assistance as requested," the statement said.
NPPD also acknowledged the case may cause concern in the community, particularly given Deal's former position with the department.
"We understand this news may cause concern and raise questions within our community," NPPD said. "We recognize the importance of maintaining the public's trust and are committed to ensuring matters involving department personnel are handled appropriately and in accordance with the law."
Deal, 46, is facing federal charges involving the receipt, access with intent to view and possession of child sexual abuse material.
He appeared in federal court Tuesday in connection with the case. U.S. Magistrate Judge Jacqueline M. DeLuca determined there was probable cause for the case to move forward, and Deal was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
The federal investigation remains active and ongoing.
NPPD said it cannot provide additional information at this time because the case involves both an ongoing federal investigation and personnel-related matters.
"Because this matter involves an ongoing federal investigation and personnel-related matters, the North Platte Police Department is unable to provide additional information or comment further at this time," the department said.
The allegations against Deal have not been proven in court. He is presumed innocent unless and until he is convicted.