Two Henry County Sheriff’s Office deputies have been terminated following separate arrests on criminal charges outside Virginia.
The first incident occurred July 23 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Henry County Deputy Christopher Michael Shaver was arrested by the South Carolina Highway Patrol and charged with driving under the influence and leaving the scene of an accident, according to a release from the Henry County Sheriff’s Office.
Shaver was assigned to the Corrections Division/Adult Detention Center and was off duty at the time of the incident. Following notification of the arrest, the sheriff’s office took immediate administrative action, and the deputy was terminated within hours, the release stated.
The matter also is being addressed in accordance with applicable requirements of the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services regarding decertification, it added.
The second incident occurred Saturday night, Aug. 15, in Eden, North Carolina. Henry County Deputy Homer Charles Jessee was arrested and charged with driving while impaired and assault and battery.
Jessee also was assigned to the Corrections Division/Adult Detention Center and was off duty at the time of the incident. Following notification of the arrest, the sheriff’s office again took immediate administrative action and the deputy was terminated, the release stated.
The matter also has been addressed in accordance with applicable requirements of the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services regarding decertification.
Sheriff Wayne Davis said conduct that violates the law, including drinking and driving, will not be tolerated and is not consistent with the standards expected of employees.
“The citizens we serve have every right to expect those who work for the Sheriff’s Office to conduct themselves responsibly, both on and off duty. Drinking and driving is dangerous, it is preventable, and it will not be tolerated within this organization. Our employees are not above the law, and when their conduct fails to meet the standards of this office, we will take appropriate action.”
The Henry County Sheriff’s Office recognizes the seriousness of having two employees charged with alcohol-related driving offenses within a short period of time. Both incidents occurred while the employees were off duty, and neither involved a county-owned vehicle nor other county property. Employees of the Sheriff’s Office are expected to maintain standards of conduct that reflect the responsibility and public trust associated with their positions.
The criminal cases remain under the jurisdiction of the respective law enforcement agencies and court systems where the arrests occurred. The sheriff’s office will respect those processes and address the employment matters separately and in accordance with agency policy.
The sheriff’s office thanked the South Carolina Highway Patrol and Eden Police Department for their professionalism and for taking appropriate action in the incidents.
