Committee Approves Taxpayer Money for Sheriff Investigation
JACKSON, Tenn.– Madison County commissioners recommend spending thousands of dollars in taxpayer money to investigate allegations against Sheriff David Woolfork. In a unanimous vote Wednesday morning, the Madison County Finance Committee agreed to spend an additional $15,000 to investigate sexual harassment allegations against Woolfork. “It’s quite unfortunate, quite embarrassing, and quite regrettable for for the total county that we’re going through this,” Gary Deaton said, Chairman of the Finance Committee. Last month commissioners approved $10,000 to hire a Nashville law firm to investigate Deputy Sharon Sangster‘s sexual harassment claim. Wednesday, the committee proposed to more than double the funds after Lt. Lisa Balderrama‘s attorney notified the county she also plans to file a claim with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. “An investigation is needed none the less to comply with the law and the expectations that the EEOC would have,” Steve Maroney said, Madison County Attorney. The county commission has to vote to approve the additional $15,000. If passed, more than $30,000 in taxpayer money will be available to spend on Woolfork‘s investigation. “It could go up and it’s probably expected to go up as the way things are progressing,” said Deaton. Commissioners vote Nov. 18. Maroney says the mayor and county commissioners do not have the power to discipline or remove the sheriff from his position.
