Nokomis police chief resigns

Editor’s Note: The City of Nokomis refuses to publicly reveal the name of the officer involved in the June 17 incident. Meanwhile, the identity has been a matter of public reference for over two weeks by many in the community. This includes from witnesses on the night of the incident.

NOKOMIS — For the second time within a year, the Nokomis Police Department no longer has a chief.

NPD Chief Earin Land has reportedly resigned from his post. This comes while an active investigation is ongoing involving K-9 officer Nathan Brookshire.

City officials did not release a reason for Land’s sudden departure Friday. It is currently unclear whether the resignation is connected to the ongoing investigation or presumed clashes with the Nokomis City Council.

Land’s resignation comes amid increased public attention and scrutiny surrounding the department.

The investigation surrounding Brookshire is currently presumed to be in the hands of the Illinois State Police. Witness statements report that Brookshire appeared to be heavily intoxicated upon entering Casey’s General Store on June 17.

Witnesses report that when trying to reach for his wallet, Brookshire instead grabbed his Taser.

Mayor Dylan Goldsmith would confirm in a statement that Brookshire was immediately removed following the incident.

Brookshire remains on duty under supervisory oversight while an internal review is underway.

Second Nokomis chief to resign after initiating an investigation

Chief Land’s resignation marks the second resignation in less than a year.

In October 2025, former Chief Talon Burton would step down after initiating an investigation on an unnamed officer. The alleged rationale: the officer reportedly divulged sensitive, confidential information from the Department’s case files in open public. One of the members present at the time was reportedly a member of the Nokomis City Council.

If there was any merit to Burton’s investigation, it could mean severe consequences for the officer. In attention, there could also be penalties for the presumed City Council member. There are a minimum of three potential charges the officer and elected official could face:

• Eavesdropping Violation (720 ILCS 5/14-2): If the confidential files contain recordings, transcripts, or details of private conversations (e.g., interviews, wiretaps) that were obtained or disclosed without consent, the officer commits a Class 3 felony. This carries a sentence of 1 to 3 years in prison and fines up to $25,000. If the disclosure involves information known to be obtained illegally, the officer is liable even if they did not perform the initial recording.
• Official Misconduct: While specific “leaking” statutes vary, divulging case files to unauthorized parties can be charged under broader official misconduct statutes if the act was intended to obtain a personal advantage or harm another, potentially elevating charges depending on the content (e.g., if it involves confidential informants protected under 5 ILCS 140/7(d)(iv)). 
• Tampering with Evidence: If the disclosure involves altering, destroying, or removing records to impair their availability in a proceeding, the officer faces charges for tampering with or fabricating physical evidence, a Class 4 felony (1–3 years), or higher if linked to obstructing justice.

Potential penalties for the drunken officer incident

Brookshire’s ongoing investigation could result in serious offense, should the Illinois State Police pursue them. They include, but might not be limited to:

• Official Misconduct (720 ILCS 5/33-3): A public officer commits misconduct by intentionally or recklessly failing to perform a duty or performing it in an unauthorized manner. Being intoxicated on duty and drawing a weapon due to impairment constitutes reckless failure to perform duties properly. This is a Class 3 felony, punishable by 1–3 years in prison and fines up to $25,000.
• Reckless Conduct (720 ILCS 5/12-3): Pointing or discharging a Taser while impaired, creating a substantial risk of great bodily harm, qualifies as reckless conduct. If the Taser was activated or pointed at a person, this is a Class A misdemeanor (up to 1 year in jail). If it causes great bodily harm, it elevates to a Class 4 felony (1–3 years). 
• DUI While on Duty: Although typically applied to driving, an officer performing official duties while under the influence (BAC ≥ 0.08%) may face standard DUI charges (625 ILCS 5/11-501), especially if they drove a police vehicle. Aggravating factors (e.g., having a weapon drawn) can elevate penalties.

Unanswered questions on the investigation, Land’s resignation

Questions remain unanswered regarding the status of the investigation. It is also uncertain whether leadership changes will affect the progress of the investigation.

Also unclear are the circumstances surrounding Chief Land’s resignation.

Future of Nokomis Police Department could be in doubt

According to a alleged report, there might be some doubt in the future of the Nokomis Police Department.

A post on social media stated Friday afternoon that city officials were considering closing the police department.

The post allegedly confirms through several sources that there are discussions of ending its operations.

It was not specified when a meeting would take place. The next City Council meeting isn’t set to convene under July 13.

The implications could impact emergency services in the community with no school resource officer, no code enforcement officer, and no one to respond if your car or home is robbed.

The bad publicity behind the Police Department could very well be its undoing.

Heartland Newsfeed was unable to reach the City of Nokomis for comment upon receipt of this news tip.

This is an ongoing story in development, and we will provide updates as they become available.