Trigg County Sheriff Aaron Acree says he does not plan to resign despite an ongoing state police investigation concerning alleged misconduct by the sheriff.
Sheriff Acree told the News Edge Wednesday morning he is cooperating fully with state police regarding the investigation.
click to download audioHe said he has not been in contact with investigators since April. Acree went on to say he will not resign from office.
click to download audioA lawsuit was filed in Trigg Circuit Court on July 8 by former Deputies Mike Sandbrink and Michelle Kent alleging they were fired in retaliation for contacting the FBI about sexual misconduct on duty by Acree. He denied that was the reason for their termination and said the county is still being served by the department.
click to download audioThe News Edge was the first to report last week that Attorney General Daniel Cameron had appointed Todd County Attorney Jeff Traughber as a special prosecutor in the state police investigation regarding Acree. Commonwealth’s Attorney Carrie Ovey-Wiggins had made the request in April saying both her and Trigg County Attorney Randall Braboy had a conflict in prosecuting Acree.
Acree said he was thankful for the support he has received during the past few weeks.
click to download audioAcree, a former Kentucky State Police trooper, was appointed sheriff by Judge-executive Hollis Alexander in August 2020 following the resignation of former Sheriff Jason Barnes, who left office and later entered guilty pleas to charges of tampering with a witness and unlawful transaction with a minor.
In the wake of speculation and inside knowledge of the investigation, four people have filed their intent to run as write-in candidates for sheriff in the November general election. Acree will be the only candidate whose name will appear on the ballot.
