LINCOLN, Neb. -- A southeast Nebraska sheriff will pay a $1,000 fine after a complaint was filed with the state regarding his appearance in his sheriff's uniform for an advertisement promoting then-gubernatorial candidate Charles Herbster.

The complaint against Sheriff Paul Vrbka, which was filed in March of 2022, reached its conclusion Friday when the Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission logged its decision against Vrbka.

According to the document filed by the commission, Vrbka faced a potential fine of up to $5,000, though he was credited for cooperation and the fine was limited to $1,000.

York County Sheriff’s Deputy Josh Gillespie, Lincoln County Sheriff Jerome Kramer and Seward County Sheriff Michael Vance also appeared in the ad.

Appearing in a sheriff's uniform is a violation of state statute, the commission stated.

Vrbka and his lawyer signed the decision in December of last year.