Will Order of Protection Affect Sheriff Woolfork’s Career?
JACKSON, Tenn- Sheriff David Woolfork has been served an order of protection; but does it mean there are now restrictions on his position as Sheriff as he awaits his day before a judge? Local Attorney Joe Byrd said in some cases when an Order of Protection has been served the accused abuser could lose their rights to carry firearms. “The person seeking the order can ask that the person be prohibited from carrying firearms,” Byrd said. And in this case Sheriff Woolfork’s accuser, Sharon Sangster, checked the box on her Order of Protection against him, recommending the court prevent him from carrying firearms, a decision that will be rendered when the Sheriff has his day in court. “Basically the person is alleging there is some type of harassment abuse or threat of abuse of physical harm,” Byrd said. Although Sangster filed the Order of Protection, the Sheriff has not been required to turn in his firearms, therefore not interfering with his job duties; but if the order is made permanent that could change. “If an order of protection is extended or made permanent the person has to give up all of their firearms,” Byrd added. Of course preventing him from carrying out his law enforcement duties but nothing is made final until after the Sheriff stands before a judge later on October 23.
