Sheriff, county attorney clarify roles in police chief's arrrest
"My goal, as Marion County sheriff, is to do the same job every time," said sheriff Lee Becker.
"The department gathers information, gives it to the county attorney, gets instructions from her, and moves forward." These comments were made by Becker following public displays of non-support for the sheriff's department.
A truck, with an out-of-county license plate, displayed a sign reading "Marion County Sheriff's Dept. corruption at it's finest!" was seen in Florence recently, and is believed to be in protest to the charges brought against Florence Police Chief Merlin Stout.
Stout is accused of sexual battery following an incident in a local restaurant and touching a woman inappropriately.
Since Stout's arrest, Florence City Council has put Stout on suspended leave without pay, pending the outcome of his trial. Stout's trial is set for June 21.
The sheriff's department was asked to check into allegations of misconduct following an incident where a woman flagged down a deputy in Florence, which did not result in the charges.
"The people of Florence came to the sheriff's office and wanted the matter looked into," said Becker. "People were saying 'You're our sheriff. You need to do this for us'."
Becker added it is his job and duty to respond to complaints and investigate if warranted.
Marion County Attorney Susan Robson agrees with Becker.
"The sheriff was not out searching. He was responding to a complaint," Robson said.
Additional complaints have been made, said Robson, which have been "checked into."
Florence citizens are concerned regarding the sheriff's department wanting to take over the policing duties in Florence.
The sheriff's department has nothing to gain in patrolling Florence on a permanent basis, said Becker.
"Marion County is a huge county. Patrolling Florence takes away from regular duties, but we will be there for the residents of Florence," Becker said.
"We will continue to serve the citizens of Florence. We will continue to patrol there until the issue is resolved," Becker concluded.
The sheriff's department provides coverage to small law enforcement agencies when officers are not on duty and offers back-up to all law enforcement personnel in Marion County.
