Beulah Employees Reinstated After Gambling Probe

Two city workers linked to illegal gambling investigation return to their jobs

Mar. 12, 2026 at 5:06pm

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Two employees of the city of Beulah, North Dakota - Granville 'Beaver' Brinkman and Marcie Krumwiede - have been reinstated after being put on leave due to their ties to a state gambling investigation. The city council met for two hours and decided that it was up to Mayor Sean Cheatley and Council President Jason Isaak, the direct supervisors of Brinkman and Krumwiede, to determine any disciplinary action. Cheatley stated that while the allegations were surprising and angering, the employees are considered innocent until proven guilty.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complexities involved when public employees are accused of misconduct, as well as the challenges municipalities face in balancing the presumption of innocence with concerns over potential misuse of public funds and resources.

The details

According to the state Attorney General's complaint, more than $100,000 in gambling proceeds were allegedly funneled to illegal expenses in Beulah. After being put on leave, Granville 'Beaver' Brinkman and Marcie Krumwiede, who work for the city of Beulah and the Beulah Police Department, have now been reinstated to their positions following a special city council meeting.

  • The special city council meeting was held on Monday, March 11, 2026.
  • Brinkman and Krumwiede were initially put on leave due to their ties to the state gambling investigation.

The players

Granville 'Beaver' Brinkman

An employee of the city of Beulah who was put on leave due to ties to a state gambling investigation, but has now been reinstated.

Marcie Krumwiede

An employee of the Beulah Police Department who was put on leave due to ties to a state gambling investigation, but has now been reinstated.

Sean Cheatley

The mayor of Beulah, who stated that while the allegations were surprising and angering, the employees are considered innocent until proven guilty.

Jason Isaak

The Beulah City Council President, who along with Mayor Cheatley, will determine any disciplinary action for Brinkman and Krumwiede.

Drew Wrigley

The North Dakota Attorney General, whose office filed a complaint alleging more than $100,000 in gambling proceeds were funneled to illegal expenses in Beulah.

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What they’re saying

“I was surprised and angered by the allegations, but stressed that both are innocent until proven guilty.”

— Sean Cheatley, Mayor of Beulah

What’s next

The city council and mayor will continue to monitor the state's gambling investigation and determine if any further disciplinary action is warranted for Brinkman and Krumwiede.

The takeaway

This case underscores the importance of due process and the presumption of innocence, even when public employees are accused of misconduct. It also highlights the challenges municipalities face in balancing transparency, accountability, and fairness when dealing with sensitive investigations.