The chairman of the Rutherford County Public Safety Committee has asked sheriff Robert Arnold to skip future meetings due to a lack of trust the committee member and commissioners have in the sheriff.
"I think everyone on the commission has a lack of faith and trust in him, some more deeply than others," said commissioner Doug Shafer, Chairman of the Public Safety Committee.
By definition, the county committee is supposed to work hand in hand with the sheriff on staffing budget issues and enforcement concerns.
"We'd rather he send one of his chief deputies," said Shafer.
Sheriff Arnold was indicted in May on more than a dozen federal charges including bribery and extortion. However, he said he's innocent and will not resign.
His trial wasn't scheduled until next February and which for the commissioners was too long. "They probably do feel that they can't believe anything he says anymore," said Shafer.
So, Commissioner Shafer asked if Arnold would consider skipping all future meetings. He said he was told this was Arnold's response:
"That he would be there and, I didn't see this in writing or anything, but that he said 'Mr. Shafer can kiss my a**.' Most people can finish that last word," said Shafer.
When reached for comment about the issue, Sheriff Arnold simply said he didn't want to talk about it, but it appeared he has planned to keep fulfilling his duties as sheriff.
Aside from Arnold resigning or reaching a plea deal with federal prosecutors, the only way to remove him from office is a successful ouster suit. Yet, NewsChannel 5 learned those considering such an ouster suit have decided against it.
