Audit Finds No Illegal Purchases by Departing Sheriff Rick Davis
Sheriff Rick Davis has requested a medical retirement following a recent diagnosis for what he says is manic bi-polar disorder.
Henderson County Sheriff's Department
WHAT HAPPENEED? In response to rumors about the professional conduct of Henderson County Sheriff Rick Davis the Henderson County Board of Commissioners requested an audit of recent business expenses turned in by the county's top lawman, but the the report found no obvious wrongdoing.
WHY DO YOU CARE? In the wake of his November medical diagnosis of manic bi-polar disorder an subsequent revaluation of a $5,000 insurance claim requested to a female Henderson County Deputy, Henderson County Sheriff Rick Davis has announced he would like to go on medical retirement effective at the end of January.
Many people have since made accusations that the county needed to review Davis' most recent actions to make sure there were no other irregularities
HOW DID IT GO DOWN? The county audit revealed nothing illegal, according to County Commissioner Tommy Thompson.
"It was what I expected," Thompson said. "There are a lot of questions about Sheriff Davis' travelling for training, but there is nothing that shows misappropriation of funds. Certainly nothing illegal that we can find."
On Nov. 23, Henderson County Sheriff Rick Davis released a public statement regarding his sudden leave of absence citing a diagnosis of manic bi-polar disorder to explain some recent 'incredible mood swings' and 'bizarre decisions.' Following this sudden announcement, a citizen attending a commissioners meeting told the board he had heard rumors of a possible private lawsuit involving Davis and he wanted to know if any county funds were involved.
On Dec. 22 after weeks of community speculation and a request from the Commissioners for more information, Davis issued the following statement:
"After consultation with my medical doctor, and with her concurrence and advice, I have decided to apply for a medical retirement. Until that time I will be using my accrued sick days," Davis said in a letter shared with the commissioners. " I expect this medical retirement to occur no later than the last day of January 2012."
In response, Thompson arranged for an outside auditor to examine recent reimbursement requests by the Sheriff's Deparment while Davis sought treatment.
"With all the rumors going around the community, and that's all we believe them to be, rumors, this is the only way we could get it all sorted out and get to a point of closure," Thompson said Wednesday afternoon. "We need to move on and make sure people know they are safe in Henderson County."
WANT MORE? Read the report for yourself by clicking here.
WHAT IS NEXT? The sheriff is an elected position and it may take several more weeks before Davis can be officially granted his job release due to medical retirement.
While Davis continues to seek treatment, Chief Deputy Greg Cochran is in charge during his absence.
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