Tuesday, June 05, 2007

FBI Investigates Potter County Sheriff


There have been whispers around Potter county for the last few months that the FBI was investigating some government official in Potter county. Matters came to a head yesterday, when Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy Ken Farren held a press conference to announce his resignation.

Farren said, "I am announcing my resignation, because, ethically, I don't feel I can work there anymore based on some allegations made recently and in the past." Farren would not reveal just what the FBI was investigating, but did reveal the allegations were concerning Potter County Sheriff Michael Shumate.

County commissioners Joe Kirkwood and Lacy Borger admitted after Farren resigned, that they knew of an investigation by the FBI concerning Sheriff Shumate. They said the investigation has been going on since last Fall. They also refused to disclose the nature of the allegations.

They did say though that the FBI has turned the results of their investigation over to federal prosecutors. That doesn't sound too good for the sheriff. If federal prosecutors have been brought in, then federal charges may soon follow. Maybe then we'll find out what these allegations are all about.

Farren has tossed his hat in the ring to replace Sheriff Shumate saying, "I feel that Sheriff Shumate can no longer effectively run the department, and I think that I am the most qualified candidate for the job." He joins two others who have already announced they are seeking the job -- APD Cpl. Brian Thomas (Amarillo Crime Stoppers coordinator) and Robert Taylor (who has previously run against Shumate).

Looks like things are starting to get interesting here in Amarillo.

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