Fargo Police Chief David Zibolski was not aware of the relationship between Detective Troy Hanson and Cass County Assistant State's Attorney SheraLynn Ternes until Wednesday, May 18. Police employees are supposed to "promptly" disclose to the department relationships that could cause a conflict of interest.
Cass County Assistant State's Attorney SheraLynn Ternes disclosed the relationship with Detective Troy Hanson to her office in mid-December. The defense in the Anthony Reese case said they were informed about the relationship Friday.
After a October 2021 robbery incident, Fargo Mayor Tim Mahoney contacted police detectives, presuming to tell them not to follow a particular line of inquiry, and casting himself as part of the investigatory team. Mahoney says his son was a victim in the robbery.