Fargo Police Chief Defends Lipps Investigation Despite Dropped Charges

Zibolski says no mistakes were made, but communication issues with county jail and prosecutors will be reviewed

Mar. 17, 2026 at 9:19pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Fargo Police Chief David Zibolski defended his department's investigation into Angela Lipps, a Tennessee woman who was charged with bank fraud-related crimes based on facial recognition technology, despite the charges being dropped by the Cass County State's Attorney's Office. Zibolski said the investigation is still open and the department does not know definitively what, if any, involvement Lipps had in the case. He acknowledged communication issues with the Cass County Jail and prosecutors that will be reviewed going forward.

Why it matters

The case has raised concerns about the use of facial recognition technology in criminal investigations and the potential for wrongful arrests, as well as questions about communication breakdowns between law enforcement agencies and prosecutors. It also comes as Zibolski prepares to retire from the Fargo Police Department.

The details

Lipps was arrested on July 14, 2025 and held in the Cass County Jail, initially on a local charge unrelated to the Fargo case. She was not interviewed by Fargo detectives until December, at which point her attorney provided evidence he believed showed she was not involved. The charges were then dropped on December 23, and Lipps was released the next day. Zibolski said the department used facial recognition as part of the investigation, but also took other steps before bringing the case to prosecutors. He defended the use of the technology, saying it cannot be relied upon solely.

  • Lipps was arrested on July 14, 2025.
  • Cass County State's Attorney's Office was notified she would be extradited to North Dakota on October 20.
  • Lipps was booked into the Cass County Jail 10 days later on October 30.
  • Fargo Police were first told Lipps was in jail on December 5.
  • Charges against Lipps were dropped on December 23, and she was released the next day.

The players

David Zibolski

The Fargo Police Chief who defended his department's investigation into Angela Lipps and said no mistakes were made, though communication issues with the county jail and prosecutors will be reviewed.

Angela Lipps

A Tennessee woman who was charged with bank fraud-related crimes based on facial recognition technology, despite never having been to North Dakota, and who had the charges against her dropped.

Kim Hegvik

The Cass County State's Attorney who approved the charges against Lipps, but did not respond to requests for comment on why the charges were filed.

Andy Frobig

The Cass County Jail Captain who said Lipps did not request winter clothing when she was released from jail.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We take constitutional rights and due process of our community members very seriously.”

— David Zibolski, Fargo Police Chief

“That information requires additional investigative steps. That's really best practice. I can't just rely on that solely and that wasn't the sole reason in which this case was put together.”

— David Zibolski, Fargo Police Chief

What’s next

The Fargo City Commission met in executive session to receive advice from the city attorney on possible civil or criminal litigation involving the Lipps investigation. Zibolski also said the department will be discussing communication with the Cass County Jail and State's Attorney's Office to see if there's a better way to create notification when someone is in custody.

The takeaway

This case highlights the potential pitfalls of relying too heavily on facial recognition technology in criminal investigations, as well as the importance of clear communication and coordination between law enforcement agencies and prosecutors. It also raises questions about the rights of individuals who may be wrongfully accused and detained.