Lincoln, Neb. – The Lincoln Police Department finished its investigation into a $2.5 million economic‑development contract that was awarded without a competitive bidding process. The department handed its findings to Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers, who issued a statement Friday morning confirming that Governor Jim Pillen’s office was not implicated in any criminal wrongdoing.
Official statements
Hilgers said his office will conduct a full review of the case, emphasizing that the investigation’s conclusion does not exonerate the contract itself but clears the governor’s staff of criminal liability. “We will examine all aspects of the award to ensure compliance with state law,” Hilgers added.
Governor Pillen responded quickly, calling the controversy “political from the start” and expressing relief that the matter was moving past the investigation. “I’m glad it’s behind us so we can focus on the issues that matter most to Nebraskans,” he said.
Background on the contract
The $2.5 million contract was awarded on an emergency basis to Julie Bushell, president and CEO of Global Sustainability Developers LLC. Critics argue the emergency justification was weak. State Auditor Mike Foley, who previously examined the deal, noted that the paperwork listed an emergency but failed to include the required explanation.
“If every state agency followed the lead of the governor on how he issued this contract, then we would have total chaos,” Foley told 3 News Now’s Jeremy Fredricks.
Political reactions
Opponents in the upcoming governor’s race have seized on the timing of the investigation’s release, which came just days before Election Day. Democratic candidate Lynne Walz accused the governor of withholding documents, saying, “If he won’t release them, it’s because there’s something Jim Pillen and his friends don’t want you to see.”
Republican state senator Brett Lindstrom also warned that reliance on no‑bid contracts could become a systemic problem, stating, “It’s a problem if you’re doing these no‑bid contracts without proper oversight.”
Attorney‑General candidate Jocelyn Brasher, a Democrat, suggested the investigation was a political stunt designed to clear the governor’s name before voters head to the polls.
Next steps
Hilgers’ office will now review the contract in detail, and the Attorney General has invited requests for the underlying documents. The Lincoln Police Department said its investigation was completed promptly, focusing on a thorough and responsible inquiry.
Both parties agree that transparency is essential for public trust. As the election approaches, Nebraskans will be watching how the review proceeds and whether any policy changes to the state’s procurement process emerge.
Original reporting: KMTV 3 News Now (Scripps) – local — read the source article.
