New Benton County Sheriff One of 7 Workers With Claim Against County

Until the Benton County GOP formally names a replacement for recalled Sheriff Jerry Hatcher, his replacement is a Department employee who filed a claim against the County earlier this year.

 Benton County Commissioners on Tuesday named Commander Jon Law to serve as interim Sheriff until the Benton County GOP can choose a replacement to finish out Hatcher's term. Once that is done, that person will run out Hatcher's term until the 2022 election.

Law, who has worked for the county since 2003, will hold the spot until the replacement is named. Then in the next election cycle, voters will decide.

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Law is one of those in the Department who supported the recall effort and is one of seven workers (some current some former) who filed a claim earlier this summer, demanding the county pay them $22 million dollars for failing to shield them against what they said were Hatcher's alleged intimidation and retaliation behavior.

Commissioner Jerome Delvin cast the sole no vote, with Commissioners Shon Small and Will McKay voting yes.

Delvin felt it would create an ethical issue if Law and the others end up suing the county.  According to reports, the county took no action on their claim from June, so now they are legally allowed to file a lawsuit if they wish.

Hatcher was recalled by voters in the August primary-special election, with well over 74 percent of voters supporting the proposal.