Sheriff`s Department Report

The Missouri Highway Patrol has released a report to County Commissioners which may determine whether legal action will be taken against a former Jasper County Sheriff. A state investigation into the money-handling practices of former Jasper County Sheriff Bill Pierce is complete. The report contains the results of an investigation by the Missouri Highway Patrol concerning former Jasper County Sheriff Bill Pierce`s activities during his tenure. While details of the 600 page report have not been released. The investigation stems from County Commissioners saying there must be a review before they decide whether the County should try to recover money from the former Sheriff. Sources say the probe questions money-handling practices in the Sheriff`s department by Pierce. The activity concerns specifically the jail commissary project,and over nine-thousand dollars allegedly missing. The report was delivered to Jasper County Prosecutor Dean Dankelson last week. Dankelson has given the report to the Jasper County Commissioners who must make their recommendation concerning whether any legal action should be taken. Presiding Commissioner Chuck Surface has reviewed the report and Commissioner Jim Honey says he plans to read it over the weekend. Commissioner Anna Ruth Crampton will then read the report next. When all the commissioners have a chance to review the report they must then decide if they think any legal actions should be taken against the former sheriff. Former Sheriff Pierce retired shortly after a state probe began in mid-July. The Commissioners must now decide whether they should try to recover money from the former Sheriff. A formal comment should be made by the Jasper County Commissioners by next week. Reported By: Brad Douglas