Sheriff Dispels Rumors

By HBTV
Friday, May 3, 2013 | 10:05 PM
https://hbtv.us/news/?story_id=1552

"Due to an enormous amount of rumors about our county I feel it necessary to clarify some questions currently being asked by many of our citizens. Approximately one month ago I was informed of an allegation of possible misconduct by a former employee of the Winston County Sheriff’s Office. Upon hearing this information I immediately contacted both the Winston County District Attorney’s Office and the Alabama Bureau of Investigation to open an investigation into these allegations.

"Currently this investigation is open and active which prevents any specific information or open discussion regarding the details of the investigation. Upon completion the ABI will make available to me and the public the results of their investigation. What I can put to rest is that neither your sheriff, nor any Winston County Sheriff’s Office employee, nor any Winston County Official either elected or appointed, nor any other citizen of Winston County has been arrested. Any information you have heard otherwise is totally, and unequivocally false.  I want to remind everyone that this investigation is active and that any accusation made that could be interpreted as libel or slanderous and could possibly result in civil or even criminal repercussion.

"Please let this investigation that I have requested continue its course without hindrance fueled by rumor and misinformation. If the investigation determines that a crime has been committed, I assure you that the appropriate arrest will be made. I do not take lightly the faith you have placed in me and my employees and I will not tolerate such misconduct. Since being elected I have personally overseen the arrest of three Winston County Sheriff Office employees and would not hesitate to take appropriate action in this case when it becomes necessary. Finally, I want to apologize to any county officials, my employees, my friends, my wife, and the many other Winston County citizen that have been embarrassed and have had their reputation and good names questioned by those who chose to spread false information. I appreciate you for taking time to read this statement and please feel free to pass it on to anyone you wish, With kind regards, Sheriff Rick Harris ( 3 May 8:00 pm)."     

If you have questions or would like to comment, please go to the Winston County Sheriff's Office Facebook page.