Beech Tree News Network

Special Investigator Attorney Jennifer Oldham of Hardin County has responded to the to the alleged criminal conduct of Butler County Sheriff Scottie Ward. In a letter addressed to Butler County Attorney Richard Deye, dated March 22, 2016, Oldham states:
"I have reviewed the information provided as well as news accounts of the Butler County Fiscal Court meeting on December 14, 2015.  Unfortunately, there is no video recording of the meeting so I must therefore rely on what appears to be the most objective account of the meeting, the news reports.
While I agree that certain public officials may have been less than cordial and some may regret their actions, I do not find that facts exist which would form the basis for probable cause that a criminal offense occurred during the meeting.  Further, I have also reviewed whether the Sheriff committed official misconduct by shutting down his office for a period of time.  I do not find that to be the case.
As we discussed, it is not my role to investigate but to prosecute, when presented with facts that constitute a crime.  I have sought out as much information as I believe is available and is appropriate given my role.  At this point, I would consider the matter closed."

Oldham had been appointed by the Attorney General’s office to make a review of the actions that transpired during the December 14 meeting after a complaint was filed by Deye stating that words were spoken and actions taken by Ward could have reached the level of criminal violations including: menacing, terroristic threatening, official misconduct first degree, official misconduct second degree, disorderly conduct and disrupting a meeting.