Lincoln Police clear Pillen in $2.5M contract probe; AG to review

Key points

• Lincoln Police Department (LPD) finished its investigation in March 2026 and determined that Gov. Jim Pillen’s office was not implicated in criminal wrongdoing regarding the $2.5 million no-bid contract.
• The case has been handed over to the Nebraska Attorney General’s office, which will independently evaluate the evidence and decide on any further steps.
• State Auditor Mike Foley’s report criticized the contract as 'smacking of favoritism' and violating state bidding laws, noting that the emergency designation was unjustified.
• The contract was awarded to Global Sustainability Developers, owned by Julie Bushell, a friend of Pillen, for $2.5 million to help grow the bioeconomy industry.
• Pillen called the investigation 'political from the start,' while Democratic nominee Lynne Walz demanded the full investigative file be released before the upcoming election.

Background

This story follows earlier coverage of state auditor Mike Foley’s report questioning the no-bid contract. The investigation was initiated by the Nebraska State Patrol in February 2026 and handled by the Lincoln Police Department’s Technical Investigations Unit starting in March 2026.

How outlets are covering it

WOWT and KETV report that Lincoln Police found no criminal wrongdoing, while KETV and Nebraska Public Media highlight Pillen’s claim that the probe was 'political.' KETV and Nebraska Public Media note that State Auditor Mike Foley called Pillen’s statement 'unfair' and emphasized his duty to report the 'egregious departure' from contracting laws. Omaha World-Herald’s source was inaccessible, but KETV and Nebraska Public Media detail the AG’s office’s role in reviewing the case and the potential conflict of interest.

Why it matters

The case highlights tensions between state officials and the auditor over contracting practices, with potential implications for transparency and accountability in state government. The AG’s review and the upcoming election add urgency to the matter.

What to watch

The Nebraska Attorney General’s office will evaluate the evidence and decide on any further steps. The outcome may influence the upcoming gubernatorial election, with candidates calling for transparency.