A Nebraska State Auditor’s report raises concerns about management at the Nebraska Brand Committee. The 53-page report accuses Committee Executive Director Shawn Harvey of using a state vehicle for personal trips, approving the sale of livestock without proof of ownership by a man with a criminal record and possibly altering an employee’s disciplinary form.

Rick Bickford, who worked for the state brand committee for nearly 39 years as a criminal investigator supervisor and a livestock inspector, says there are many problems with how the committee is run and the whole panel needs to be overhauled.

Bickford, who took early retirement this year, says he believes Director Shawn Harvey spent a lot of time covering his tracks.

Assistant State Brand Director Paul Beaver has also resigned as a result of the issues brought out by the auditor’s report. A committee member has also resigned. The State Brand Committee’s next meeting is August 8 in North Platte where they intend to review the report.