Omaha Police Chief, Douglas County Sheriff Aaron Hanson and Vail’s Attorney Exchange Letters

OMAHA, Neb. (June 10, 2025) – Tensions within Omaha-area law enforcement circles escalated this week after a leaked letter from Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer prompted responses—culminating today in a formal statement from the attorney representing former Omaha police officer Adam Vail.

The controversy began on June 9 when a letter from Chief Schmaderer to Douglas County Sheriff Aaron Hanson was leaked to local media. In the letter, the Chief raised concerns regarding Vail’s conduct during a recent high-profile incident and appeared to urge Sheriff Hanson to reconsider employing Vail in any capacity while his arbitration is still pending. That same day, Sheriff Hanson issued a response that emphasized his commitment to interagency transparency and public accountability, while stopping short of any immediate personnel action.

Today, Adam Vail’s attorney issued a blistering rebuttal, condemning Chief Schmaderer’s letter as “unprecedented” and “inappropriate,” and warning that the Chief’s public commentary could undermine the integrity of an active arbitration process.

“While I speak only for Mr. Vail, the contents of the Chief's letter and his pattern of conduct raise concerns that extend far beyond this single case,” the attorney wrote. “Chief Schmaderer's decision to publicly comment during an active arbitration process is as unprecedented as it is inappropriate.”

The letter argues that Chief Schmaderer’s statements amount to an attempt to influence another elected official’s internal personnel decisions—an act the attorney characterized as “a blatant overreach and an affront to due process.”

All three letters are posted below.