Butch Mitchell’s Case Returns to Court
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After six years of court battles, a chancery court judge ruled Tuesday, former Assistant Chief Deputy Butch Mitchell be reinstated to the Madison County Sheriff’s Department. “He felt Mr. Mitchell should be reinstated and with back pay and he should have to repay the Tennessee Retirement system the money he has collected,” said Mark Donahoe, the attorney representing Madison County. The former assistant chief deputy was accused of forging the signature of a female deputy to a postcard which suggested she and Madison County Sheriff David Woolfork were romantically involved. Mitchell was terminated the following year. Donahoe argued Mitchell voluntarily retired and should undergo the normal hiring process to secure employment with the department. Judge Donald Harris said he did not believe Mitchell’s retirement was voluntary rather he had no other option after he was terminated by Sheriff Woolfork in 2005, which was the basis for his ruling. “He can be given any job that the sheriff deems appropriate,” said Donahoe. Attorneys representing both sides said they will meet to determine Mitchell’s payout, but Madison County officials estimate it will be approximately $345,211 before deducting the retirement pay Mitchell was paid. “I’ve always had a good relationship with the sheriff. I worked very hard to get him elected in 1994. I have never had an adversarial relationship with him,” said Mitchell. Donahoe said it is likely the county will appeal the judge’s decision.
