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Daviess County Chief Deputy Retires

Last updated on Monday, December 19, 2011

(WASHINGTON) - Chief Deputy Ron Morgan has retired from the Daviess County Sheriff’s Department, effective Dec. 31, according to Sheriff Jerry Harbstreit.

Harbstreit said Morgan turned in a brief, one-line resignation letter with his intent to retire.

Morgan was placed on paid administrative leave Sept. 7 and relieved of duty pending completion of an Indiana State Police investigation into allegations of bribery and assisting a criminal.

The criminal investigation was initiated after allegations of misconduct after police served a search warrant at the home of 29-year-old Janessa Edwards McCracken. He had been able to avoid arrest because she'd was tipped off by Morgan, who she alleges asked her to perform sexual favors with him in return of protection from arrest. An investigation also revealed Morgan allegedly shared privileged information with her on several occasions between Nov. 1, 2006, and Dec. 31, 2010, in exchange for sexual favors.

A grand jury indicted Morgan on the charges Oct. 28, after two days of proceedings, and he turned himself in the same day. He was arrested, then released on $7,500 bond.

Harbstreit said Morgan had comp time built up and his office has been allowed to use that comp time for the time Morgan has been on leave.

Because Morgan has requested his retirement before his case had a chance to be called before the sheriff's merit board, he should be able to claim his retirement benefits. Sheriff' Merit boards vote on hiring, firing, discipline, retirement, and other issues for the deputies' protection. The merit board could vote not to grant Morgan's retirement, pending the investigation.

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