Sheriff Richard Roundtree confirms to The Jail Report that Deputy of the Year Austin Shepherd has been terminated.
Sheriff’s Lt. Calvin Chew issued this statement: Last week , the RCSO began an internal investigation regarding past conduct of Deputy Austin Shepherd. During the course of the investigation information surfaced that prior to this Administration, Deputy Shepherd engaged in activities that may be considered a violation of his Oath of Office. As such, Deputy Shepherd was Terminated effective this date. The case is still under investigation and no further information is available pending its’ conclusion or the termination appeal process.”
WGAC’s Austin Rhodes is reporting a drug connection to the firing: “It was his own admission of past drug use that resulted in his termination…that admission came recently.”
Just five days ago, the sheriff’s office announced the five-year veteran as Deputy of the Year, saying that he showed tremendous compassion during the normal course of duties.
