UNION, WV (WOAY) – Monroe County Sheriff Jeffrey Jones has resigned amid controversy regarding his involvement in the investigation into a Monroe County deputy.
The county commission met today for an emergency meeting to accept the resignation and begin the search for an interim sheriff.
Jones first came under controversy last year for his alleged interference in the investigation of a Monroe County deputy’s alleged solicitation of nude pictures from a minor.
Jones was arrested by the state police for failure to report the crime as a mandated reporter, obstructing, and deception of the civil service commission. State police say he refused to comply with a subpoena.
The deputy in question, Evan Paul Blankenship, was arrested after police found multiple nude pictures of underage girls in his possession.
County officials filed litigation to remove Jones from office in the aftermath of his arrest. With his resignation, that litigation is no longer needed.
In a statement, the Monroe County Commission said Jones’s resignation makes the process easier as they begin to find an interim sheriff to fill the office until the next elected sheriff takes office on January 1.
“Sheriff Jones’ resignation effectively ends the civil litigation that began when the Commission passed the resolution to remove him from office on October 26, 2023.  This has been a difficult process for all parties involved and the Commission wishes to express its gratitude to Mr. Jones for electing to resign rather than proceed with a contentious hearing.  The Commission wishes Mr. Jones the best in his future endeavors,” the commissioners said in an emailed statement.
