Deputy Darin Viken's staff photo from 2015. (
FARGO (KFGO) – Cass County Sheriff Jesse Jahner says he is disappointed with the sentence given to a former deputy who pleaded guilty to inappropriate comments and actions toward women involved in the 24/7 alcohol and drug monitoring program.
Darin Viken, 63, will serve five days of home monitoring, a year of probation, and must do 50 hours of community service after admitting to harassing six women in the program. Viken also agrees to not renew his peace officer’s license during his probationary period.
Jahner says after confirming the allegations, the department took action to investigate and terminate Viken. He says he and the Sheriff’s Office are hugely disappointed in Viken’s actions as well as the outcome and the sentence that was handed down from the court.
“Although I respect the criminal justice system, this sentence appears extremely lenient, lacks responsibility, and accountability,” Jahner says. “Lenient sentences like this can cause distrust in the criminal justice (system) by our citizens and the law enforcement profession. There were several victims in this case who I feel did not receive the justice they deserved. In addition, Viken’s actions affected the men and women of the Cass County Sheriff’s Office and law enforcement statewide and nationwide, who go out every day to uphold the rule of law and conduct themselves morally and ethically. I know from experience that victim advocates also become concerned with these types of lenient sentences.”
Jahner is also thanking the victims for their courage in reporting the actions by Viken. He says they most definitely prevented further individuals from being victimized.
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