Ex-S.D. Division Chief Admits to Snooping in Chief's E-mails

Dec. 2, 2014
The former Sioux Falls division chief faces jail and a fine.

A former South Dakota division chief admitted to snooping at his fire chief's e-mails.

Patrick Warren, 47, admitted to unlawful access of Sioux Falls Fire Rescue Chief Jim Sideras' e-mail account, according to The Argus Leader

Warren didn't say why he looked at the messages to his chief and other documents, but police said during their probe "it was probably for his own personal benefit," the paper reported.

He was originally charged with 10 offenses stemming from the snooping that occurred between Jan. 5 and May 5. Warren resigned May 13.

As part of the plea agreement, other charges were dropped. 

Minnehaha County State’s Attorney Aaron McGowan said sentencing could take place in six weeks. He faces up to 60 days in jail and up to a $4,000 fine.

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