DEER LODGE, MT — A member of the Powell County Sheriff’s Office, who also served as a former employee of Powell County High School, is currently under investigation by the Montana Department of Justice. The investigation centers on Austin Micu, who has been linked to allegations of inappropriate conduct with a student, a situation that has raised significant concerns within both the local law enforcement community and the school district.
The Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI), part of the Montana Department of Justice, confirmed to MTN News this week that they are looking into the matter. However, the DCI has declined to offer any specific details, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation.
Powell County Superintendent of Schools, Rick Duncan, provided a brief statement to KXLF on Wednesday, revealing that the district is also conducting an internal inquiry into what he described as “allegations of inappropriate conduct between a former school employee and a student.” Duncan emphasized that further comments would not be made until the investigations reach a conclusion.
Although Duncan did not specifically name Micu in his statement, an anonymous source with knowledge of the situation confirmed that the complaint, which triggered both the school and law enforcement investigations, was filed in March. At the time, Micu was serving as a wrestling coach for Powell County High School.
When contacted for comment regarding the DCI investigation, Powell County Sheriff Gavin Roselles acknowledged awareness of the situation but refrained from offering additional details. In an email response to inquiries, Sheriff Roselles stated, “I am aware of the DCI investigation regarding Captain Micu. I have no comment on the investigation or his current employment status at this time.”
The investigation has left the Deer Lodge community grappling with unsettling questions about the conduct of an individual holding positions of trust in both law enforcement and education. As the separate inquiries continue, both local authorities and the school district remain tight-lipped, with many waiting to learn more once the investigations have concluded.
Until then, the situation remains fluid, with the potential for significant consequences for all parties involved.
