ROANE COMMISSION APPOINTS INTERMIN SHERIFF COLE - Applicants Being Sought For Sheriff Appointment

(01/21/2017)
Roane County Commissioners named Chief Deputy and former sheriff Todd Cole an interim sheriff during a special meeting on Friday morning.

Commissioners say members of the tax department and the deputies signed letters requesting Cole be named as the interim sheriff.

The position opened up when newly-elected Sheriff Matthew "Bo" Williams resigned this week after he pleaded guilty to entering but not breaking.

Williams faces up to 10 years in prison.

Williams is being accused of taking meth evidence from the Spencer Police Department where he worked as an officer.

Two criminal cases Williams was a part of have been dismissed, and Roane County Prosecuting Attorney Josh Downey said more charges could be on the way.

The commission said who are interested in becoming the next sheriff need to have a letter of interest to the commission by February 3. The next sheriff must be a registered Democrat. Roane Commissioners say they hope to select the sheriff at their February 9 meeting.