The Nebraska Liquor Control Commission unanimously voted 2-0 Thursday to suspend its executive director Hobert Rupe without pay following the execution of a federal search warrant at the agency’s office.
During an emergency meeting, Chairman Bruce Bailey stated the warrant was tied to a joint federal-state investigation into alleged criminal conduct by Rupe. The motion to suspend the director passed unanimously with both Bailey and Commissioner Kim Lowe voting in favor.
“These alleged offenses relate to his fitness and ability to continue to serve in his present position,” Bailey said.
The meeting adjourned after the vote.
“We all may be wondering a lot of things, as we are,” Bailey said. “We’ll know more over the next few weeks.”