Rutherford County Commissions voted unanimously to begin the process of filling Robert Arnold's position as interim sheriff.
All 20 commissioners Thursday night voted to take a major step away from the county's 18-month drama with the sheriff's office.
They voted to start the process of appointing an interim replacement for Sheriff Robert Arnold.
The county attorney called the county's situation "no mans land." They don't know another county who has had a sheriff under felony indictment who needed to be suspended.
Sheriff Robert Arnold has been in a federal detention facility since a ruling after domestic assault allegations surfaced involving his wife.
He has since been suspended from the job without pay.
Commissioners said they want to have the applications in by their next meeting December 15. The interim would keep the position until the next election or Arnold is cleared of all the charges.
They're also sending a bill to the legislature asking them to make suspension for a felony indictment a statewide possibility, with a recall vote, creating a roadmap for other counties who may find themselves in a similar position.
