Lee: Career History and 2020 Election Indictment
The professional life of Lee is marked by a diverse transition from law enforcement and federal investigation to ministry and chaplaincy. While his early career focused on public safety and spiritual guidance for first responders, his later years have been overshadowed by legal challenges stemming from the aftermath of the 2020 U.S. presidential election.
Professional Career and Ministry
Lee began his career in the 1980s as a police officer in California. Between 1980 and 1987, he served as a sergeant within the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office. Expanding his investigative experience, he also served as a special agent for the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), the primary law enforcement agency for the U.S. Department of the Navy.
Following his time in law enforcement, Lee transitioned into spiritual leadership. He graduated from the Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, in 1992 and became an ordained pastor of the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod (LCMS). In 1996, he founded Peace Officer Ministries Inc., serving as its executive director until 2010. This organization focused on providing support to those in law enforcement.
Lee continued his commitment to first responders from 2016 to 2018 by leading a Quick Response Team for a Lutheran church, providing essential chaplain services. By 2023, Lee had reached emeritus status, a term used by the LCMS to denote retirement. Additionally, in 2020, he served as a vacancy pastor for the Living Word Lutheran Church located in Orland Park, Illinois.
Legal Issues and the 2020 Election
Following the 2020 U.S. presidential election, Lee became involved in events surrounding Ruby Freeman, a Georgia election worker who had been falsely accused of election fraud by allies of former President Donald Trump. Lee visited Freeman's home, claiming he could offer assistance, though Freeman declined his help.
Lee subsequently contacted Harrison Floyd, a worker for the Trump campaign, to coordinate another meeting with Freeman. This sequence of events eventually led to Freeman being pressured by Trevian Kutti to confess to false assertions of election fraud.
In 2022, Lee became the second witness to avoid testifying before a Fulton County special grand jury investigating election interference. An Illinois judge denied the summons for Lee to appear, ruling that prosecutors had failed to provide sufficient evidence that Lee was a necessary witness. The court granted prosecutors 30 days to file an amended summons with more information.
On August 14, 2023, Lee was officially indicted in Fulton County, Georgia. The charges include violating the Georgia state RICO act (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act), two counts of criminal attempt to influence a witness, conspiracy to commit solicitation of false statements and writings, and influencing witnesses.
On November 13, 2023, Lee publicly stated that he would not accept a plea deal, asserting that he would not "plead out to a lie" or "cooperate with evil."
Key Facts
- Law Enforcement: Former sergeant at Mendocino County Sheriff's Office and former NCIS special agent.
- Ministry: Ordained LCMS pastor and founder of Peace Officer Ministries Inc. (1996–2010).
- Legal Status: Indicted in August 2023 in Fulton County, Georgia.
- Primary Charges: Georgia state RICO act violations and witness influencing.
- Current Status: Retired (emeritus status) as of 2023.
| Period/Date | Role or Event | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1980–1987 | Police Sergeant | Mendocino County Sheriff's Office, California |
| 1992 | Ordination | Graduated Concordia Theological Seminary |
| 1996–2010 | Executive Director | Peace Officer Ministries Inc. |
| 2016–2018 | Chaplain Leader | Lutheran church Quick Response Team |
| August 14, 2023 | Indictment | Charged under Georgia RICO act and witness tampering |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Lee's background in law enforcement?
Lee served as a sergeant in the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office from 1980 to 1987 and also worked as a special agent for the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS).
What is Lee's religious affiliation?
Lee is an ordained pastor of the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod (LCMS) and has held emeritus status since 2023.
Why was Lee indicted in Georgia?
He was indicted for his role in attempting to influence Georgia election worker Ruby Freeman following the 2020 election, leading to charges under the Georgia state RICO act and witness tampering.
Did Lee testify before the Fulton County grand jury?
No. An Illinois judge denied the summons for Lee to appear before the grand jury, stating that prosecutors had not provided enough evidence to prove he was a necessary witness.
Has Lee accepted a plea deal regarding the 2023 charges?
No. On November 13, 2023, Lee stated he would not take a plea deal, claiming he would not cooperate with what he described as "evil."