Sheriff's Absence, Money Stir Controversy in Henderson Co..mp4

For the past few weeks, there has been a controversy surrounding the absence of Henderson County Sheriff Rick Davis and money that was spent on his behalf.
In a letter sent in November, Davis announced that he would be taking time off to seek treatment for his bi-polar disorder. He said in the letter that the illness has lead to increasingly erratic behavior and bizarre decisions.
Shortly after receiving that letter, the county's Board of Commissioners sent Davis a letter of their own, asking for documentation on his illness and the nature of a $5,000 insurance premium paid on behalf of Davis to one of his employees.
Davis' attorney sent a letter responding to the board's letter that said:
"Mr. Davis respectfully declines to discuss with the board matters involving his private life and actions in his personal capacity."
This week, commissioners replied by saying Davis should either return to work or ask for a leave of absence. The letter said that if Davis refused this request, the board would view that as a refusal to perform the duties of his office and the board would act accordingly.
Henderson County Chief Deputy Greg Cochran said Davis's absence since Thanksgiving has not affected the department's service to the public. He said the morale of the department is good, and deputies are concerned over the sheriff's health.
"They are sad the sheriff is out," Cochran said. "They are sad that he is sick. We are constantly being asked by officers, 'Have you heard from the sheriff today? Have you talked to him? Let him know we are praying for him, and (we) can't wait for him to come back.'"
In the most recent letter, commissioners gave Davis until Dec. 23 to respond to their requests.
Davis's attorney told FOX Carolina that his client would likely have an answer for the board by then.

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