CHIEF'S DEPARTURE FROM BCA HEADQUARTERS PARTLY POLITICAL

ST. PAUL (AP) - Nicholas O'Hara said he left his post after five years as
the head of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension for personal
reasons, including frustration with the Legislature and Gov. Jesse Ventura.

He plans to work for the Ramsey County Sheriff's office.

O'Hara announced his resignation Feb. 23 without giving reason and left his
post Monday.

He said Thursday that he was frustrated with the Legislature for playing
politics with money intended to build the agency a new headquarters and
crime laboratory.

Ventura and the House trimmed a $67 million plan for the St. Paul building
down to $58 million.

O'Hara also differed philosophically with Ventura on the governor's
advocacy of legalizing hemp growing and the use of medical marijuana, say
O'Hara's former and current bosses.

He will oversee the Ramsey County Sheriff's Department's fugitive
apprehension and intelligence units, help plan the development and
construction of a new county jail, and serve as a liaison to other police
agencies.