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Alma marshal’s troubles go beyond quitting job

Reid Williams

ALMA – Former Alma town marshal Rob Raskiewicz isn’t talking about why he resigned from his job this week, and the mayor continues to insist the resignation is unrelated to felony bribery charges Raskiewicz faces.

In addition, court documents at the Park County Courthouse speak volumes about swirling legal matters involving Raskiewicz and his wife, Cheri.

Raskiewicz also faces a misdemeanor allegation in district court.



Raskiewicz’s resignation has many residents of the small Park County town speculating – and talking, but not on the record with reporters for fear of run-ins with the embattled couple.

Raskiewicz resigned Tuesday following an executive session with Alma’s elected officials. Speaking in Alma’s town hall Friday, Mayor Bob Ensign said he could not talk about specifics of the closed discussion but stressed that the marshal’s departure had nothing to do with charges filed by Park County’s district attorney.



Ensign did say that Raskiewicz, at times, did not fully comply with town officials’ requests and that there were enough disagreements – although civil – that it was time for Raskiewicz and the town to part ways.

Ensign cited instructions that Raskiewicz was to wear a uniform every day he was on duty as an example of the issues involved.

In a separate matter, on June 4, the district attorney filed charges of bribery and official misconduct against Raskiewicz.

The charges represent the culmination of a five-month investigation, according to the district attorney’s office, and stem from incidents in January involving area residents.

Staff at the Fairplay office of the 11th Judicial District Attorney would not comment further on the case, and the prosecutor, Deputy District Attorney David Thorson, has not returned phone calls seeking comment. Raskiewicz is scheduled to appear in court Wednesday.

Residents and a witness identified in the court documents, however, said the charges arose when Raskiewicz’s legal duties intersected with his wife’s child-care business.

According to a witness named in the court documents who asked to remain anonymous for fear of reprisals, the Raskiewiczes had a falling out with another couple that led to the couple’s removing their children from Cheri Raskiewicz’s daycare service.

This prompted a breach of contract lawsuit to recover daycare fees from the parents. At the same time, the marshal allegedly used his position to influence the couple to pay up, leading to the charges against him.

Several residents said the Raskiewiczes use the legal system often in conflicts, and Park County Court staff confirmed the couple has been involved in numerous civil cases, from lawsuits to restraining orders, and also has had court judgments against them.

Cheri Raskiewicz faces individual legal troubles, as well. On July 7, she appeared in court for advisement on eight felony charges of forgery, a felony charge of attempted theft and a felony charge of second-degree burglary – filed against her by the district attorney.

Court documents indicate that Cheri Raskiewicz allegedly altered checks from two different parties. The total amount is about $15,000. The alleged victims of the forgery declined to comment Friday. The burglary charge stems from an incident in May at Alma’s town hall.

Cheri Raskiewicz is scheduled to appear in court on Aug. 11.


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