North Carolina County Questions Sheriff Behavior

Henderson County commissioners are asking the sheriff now on leave because of mental illness to respond to rumors he has moved to settle legal complaints by his employees.

The commissioners sent Sheriff Rick Davis a letter seeking information after a closed-door meeting. A resident alleged in a public meeting Monday that the county’s insurance company paid $300,000 to settle a sexual harassment lawsuit.

Davis told the Hendersonville Times-News the settlement amount cited was ridiculous, but he would not say if a settlement was paid.

Davis said his manic bipolar disorder led him to yell at employees and send inappropriate emails. Davis said long hours and little sleep as sheriff led him to hear voices that didn’t exist.

He began an indefinite leave from his job two weeks ago.