Below is the full interview with Deputy Derek Barbee for our story, which you can read by clicking here. These questions were given to Interim Sheriff Jim Nelson to answer. Nelson answered them, as well as Derek Barbee. These are Derek Barbee’s responses:
1. Why did the Sheriff’s office hire Derek Barbee only two months after letting him go over an alleged bar fight?
Answer 1: I was not “let go” after the Wagner Bar incident, my commission was suspended pending an investigation. It was an incident, not a fight as no punches were thrown. I had a drink thrown in my face and that started the incident. The alleged “punch” was me clearly jerking my arm free from my wife who was holding it, that is why arm swings from right to left and up. Clearly not a punch, also my hand was open and close to my body. But regardless, I was suspended, under advice from many sources I agreed to pay a fine for a Minor Misdemeanor.
2. Is the Sheriff’s office aware of a taped interview Derek Barbee conducted with BCI agents in 2016, where Barbee told the agents that he used to deal drugs, specifically, that he sold pills, and would go to Florida to get pills and bring back to drug dealers in Ohio to sell?
Answer 2: The interview was not with a BCI agent, it was with a Major that worked for Pike County Sheriffs office at the time named Al Lewis. There was a large criminal investigation that was on going and I ask if I could be of assistance, the investigators were looking at all possible angles so I thought I maybe able to help provide them with names of people I once knew or herd of. They agreed to interview me. It was major Al Lewis that conducted the interview. He ask if he could record it and I agreed. I was more than willing to help at the time, it is very unprofessional for someone to take someone’s willingness to help and use it as a weapon against them years later. It makes persons less likely to trust co-workers and Law Enforcement Officer in general.
My past dealing with drugs and drug dealers are widely known by many. I have been extremely honest and transparent over the years posting my testimony on Facebook many times. My story is one of faith, love, forgiveness, perseverance and redemption. Due to my choices and life experiences early on in my adulthood I have then since dedicated my life to making my community a better place working with youth to prevent them from ever going down the path of destruction. It has been 12 years since those days and tho I regret my actions I am thankful for the wisdom I gain. I now get to share wisdom with the young people on our community.
3. If the Sheriff’s office is not aware of said tape, what is the Sheriff’s office’s response to the alleged allegations that such a tape exists? If the Sheriff’s office was aware of the tape, why did the Sheriff feel it was appropriate to retain, fire, then re-hire and place Barbee in school setting with children, when he is alleged to have had such past behavior as a drug dealer?
Answer 3: I have never had the conversation with Sheriff Nelson about my past or the recorded interview with Al Lewis. I have however shared my dream and vision to him about helping our community and Sheriff Nelson has always been supportive of helping the youth in our county.
4. Does the Sheriff’s office feel it is appropriate for Robert Barbee, chief deputy, to be involved in any supervising, paperwork facilitation, time cards, or grievances involving his son, Deputy Derek Barbee? What is the Sheriff’s response that this entire ordeal is being labeled as nepotism by some?
Answer 4: My father has never and will never be my supervisor. Even when working together at the State Juvenile Corrections facility. He was a supervisor there but did not directly supervise myself or my brother who also worked there at that time.
5. Does the Sheriff have anything else he would like to add?
Answer 5: I would like to thank God for the personal growth I as a person have went through. I would also like to give thanks for the amazing wisdom and testimony I have through all life experiences. My ultimate hope and dream is to have a full time youth organization gear to helping underprivileged and at-risk youth here in our community. Our children are indeed our future!
Feel free to go to the Success Unchained Facebook page and give us a like. Big positive changes coming to our community! God bless.
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