I wanted to personally address the events that unfolded on Sunday evening, which have brought much attention and speculation to a misunderstanding.
As many of you are now aware, I was arrested and charged with a fourth-degree misdemeanor of “misconduct at an emergency” in Clarksburg on Sunday night. The charge has since been dismissed with prejudice, due to the misunderstanding it was.
I recognize that the sequence of events that led to this situation is a complex one, shaped by the urgency of the moment, emotions, and the always evolving nature of emergency situations.
However, let me be clear about one thing: I harbor no resentment or anger towards the Sheriff’s office. The men and women of the Ross County Sheriff’s Office have challenging roles to fulfill every day, and they strive to maintain safety and order, even in the most tumultuous of situations.
I have the utmost respect for the trainee and jail deputies with whom I interacted on that night. They conducted themselves professionally, and I am appreciative of the civility and understanding they showed during the process. I have learned from my actions that night, as well, and will strive to be better as we modify our internal policies at the Guardian for news gathering.
I am deeply grateful to the Sheriff for offering to reimburse the expenses I incurred as a result of that night. This gesture demonstrates a level of empathy and consideration that speaks volumes about the integrity of our local law enforcement.
I believe strongly in the importance of communication and understanding. In light of this, I am especially thankful for the open dialogue that continues between our news organization and the Ross County Sheriff’s Office. Our shared commitment is to ensure that the public is provided with timely and accurate information. Working together, we strike a balance that upholds the values of safety, transparency, and public awareness.
I apologize for any concerns or confusion this situation may have caused amongst our community and first responders. It is my hope that we can all take this as an opportunity to foster stronger bonds, to understand one another better, and to work cohesively for the betterment of our community.
Thank you for your understanding and patience, and may God bless our men and women in uniform.
Warm regards.