Robert Arnold is still sheriff of Rutherford County, even after being indicted late last week on charges of corruption. Sheriff Arnold told the Daily News Journal over the weekend he has no plans to resign.
It was one of the first questions for acting U.S. Attorney Jack Smith on Friday after he announced the 14-count indictment: does Sheriff Arnold lose his job?
“In terms of what happens with Sheriff Arnold, that’s going to be a question for local authorities,” Smith told reporters.
State lawmakers who represent Murfreesboro have encouraged their fellow Republican to resign, calling Arnold’s ordeal a distraction. Rutherford County’s mayor told
News Channel 5 Arnold’s actions — if confirmed — are disturbing and unacceptable.
The sheriff is accused of starting a company with his uncle and a chief administrative deputy. It’s called JailCigs. For two years, they sold e-cigarettes to inmates at the Rutherford County jail and other facilities. Federal authorities accuse Arnold of repeatedly lying about his involvement and even attempting to destroy evidence once the investigation began a year ago.
Arnold has not responded to the charges directly. According to local authorities, he would only be forced to resign if he’s convicted.
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