CHEBOYGAN — Deputy Jeff Bur has officially returned to the Cheboygan County Sheriff’s Department following his exoneration from allegations that led to his termination in March 2024.
The reinstatement, approved at a Jan. 14 Cheboygan County Board of Commissioners meeting, includes back pay and benefits as part of a settlement agreement between the parties.
Bur was terminated under the prior administration after making statements critical of then-Undersheriff Josh Ginop. His comments, including an accusation sent in a text message to Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Anthony Juillet, prompted an investigation by the Michigan State Police and a subsequent review by the Charlevoix County Prosecutor’s Office. Both investigations cleared Bur of any wrongdoing.
More: Misconduct allegations made against Undersheriff Ginop, Cheboygan County Sheriff’s Office
The allegations against Ginop revolved around a 2013 incident where he was accused of forcibly touching the wife of a fellow officer during a party. The allegations resurfaced in February 2024 when Bur sent a text message describing Ginop as a “rapist.” Ginop subsequently filed a slander lawsuit against Bur, which was later dropped after the Michigan State Police investigation corroborated the initial claims against Ginop. Charlevoix County Prosecutor Kit Tholen’s review found no evidence to disprove the victim’s allegations and raised concerns about the lack of accountability within the department under previous leadership.
Ginop was a candidate for sheriff in the August primary election. Todd Ross emerged as the victor from that race, beating out Ginop, John Studer and William Fitzpatrick.
More: Cheboygan County election results: Ross tops sheriff field as Cavitt survives GOP challenge
Subscribe: Check out our offers and read the local news that matters to you
Sheriff Todd Ross, who recently took office after a win in November’s general election, expressed his support for Bur’s reinstatement.
“After a lengthy investigation by the state police and the Fraternal Order of Police, the county commissioners reached an agreement,” Ross said. “I was more than happy to deputize him and have him back as a member of my department.”
The Michigan Fraternal Order of Police Labor Council, which represented Bur during the investigation and settlement process, also praised the resolution.
“This outcome reaffirms our belief in the professionalism and integrity of Deputy Bur,” said David Willis, director of labor services. “The Michigan Fraternal Order of Police thanks Sheriff Ross for his courage and integrity in reinstating Deputy Bur.”
Bur, who has served nearly three decades in law enforcement, expressed his gratitude for the support he received throughout the process.
“I’m very happy to be back to work. The justice system prevailed, and I’m back where I belong,” Bur said.
— Contact reporter Annie Doyle at (231) 675-0099 and adoyle@charlevoixcourier.com.
This article originally appeared on Cheboygan Daily Tribune: Cheboygan County Sheriff’s Deputy Jeff Bur reinstated