Todd County Attorney Jeff Traughber has been appointed by the Kentucky Attorney General’s Office as a special prosecutor to investigate allegations regarding Trigg County Sheriff Aaron Acree’s office.
Without detailing any of those allegations or potential charges, Traughber tells WHOP News he is investigating to determine whether criminal charges should be brought against anyone.
Traughber hopes to complete his investigation and determine whether charges should be brought within 14 to 21 days.
He says the attorney general’s office has left it to his discretion whether anyone should be charged with a crime.
Acree was appointed sheriff in 2020 following the resignation of former sheriff Jason Barnes.
Four write-in candidates have filed to run against Acree in November since the investigation began including former Trigg County major Mike Sandbrink, former deputy David Tomlinson, Mike Manzanares and Christian County Deputy Jailer Ronald Mazac.
Sheriff Acree issued a statement Friday afternoon saying in part, “There is no indication that the investigation involves any of my current staff. The investigation is being conducted by the Kentucky State Police. At this time, it would be improper and premature for me to release any details of the investigation. I want to notify the public that I am cooperating fully with this investigation.”
He continues, “The Sheriff’s Office will continue to perform our duties as needed to ensure the citizens of Trigg County are provided with quality, accountable, and efficient law enforcement services. To be clear, the investigation has in no way affected the efficiency of this agency. As always, we will respond to the needs of the community. As your Sheriff, I ask everyone to remain patient until this matter is resolved.”
You can see his entire statement below:
