In the News

Sheriff probe to be done soon

BY STEVE FRY
THE TOPEKA CAPITAL-JOURNAL
Wednesday, August 4, 2010

An investigation into an accusation in connection with Jackson County Sheriff Charles Cornell probably will be completed in about a week, a Topeka attorney representing the sheriff said Wednesday.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation is conducting the investigation. The KBI started the probe July 26.

"I'm confident he will be (cleared)," said Chris Joseph, the sheriff's attorney.

Joseph said an allegation of misconduct was made by a former inmate at the Jackson County Jail, which is in Holton. Beyond that, Joseph said he couldn't discuss the nature of the accusation based on the rules of professional conduct governing lawyers

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Cornell isn't able to comment on the allegation or the investigation, Joseph said in a statement.

A KBI investigator earlier said results of the investigation would be forwarded to the attorney general's office to determine whether an offense had occurred.

Cornell earlier worked for the Salina and Holton police departments, then was elected as the Jackson County sheriff in 2004 when he defeated former Sheriff Bruce Tomlinson. Cornell was elected again in 2008.

Steve Fry can be reached at (785) 295-1206 or steve.fry@cjonline.com.