Associated Press

Rolette County Sheriff Richard Turcotte has resigned.

Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem removed Turcotte from office earlier this week, pending a hearing on allegations that include misconduct or gross incompetence.

Stenehjem announced Turcotte's resignation on Friday.

The Rolette County Commission appointed Commissioner Bob Leonard as the interim sheriff.

Stenehjem says he believes Turcotte "made the right decision in the interests of Rolette County."

A complaint filed by Stenehjem says Turcotte failed to keep proper records, employed deputies who were not property licensed. He says the former sheriff also failed to follow state law in operating the county jail, which was forced to close because of a lack of trained staff.