Two Bolivar Co. deputies lose week’s pay after scuffle at courthouse

Published 7:00 pm Wednesday, July 18, 2007

Two Bolivar County sheriff’s deputies have lost a week’s pay after a courthouse scuffle in which both pulled weapons on the other, according to Sheriff H.M. “Mack” Grimmett.

Grimmett said Monday that an investigation by the Mississippi Highway Patrol resulted in no criminal charges being filed. Grimmett said reprimands were placed in both officers’ personnel files and both were placed on administrative leave. The two officers have returned to work.

Grimmett said the incident occurred June 18 at the county courthouse in Cleveland. He said Undersheriff Charles “Moon” Anderson and Animal Control Officer Jerry Hopson got into an argument which escalated when both officers pulled weapons. The sheriff said no one was hurt in the incident.

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Grimmett said Hopson will now work out of the county jail rather than the courthouse.

“They have been made aware of possible termination if an incident happens again,” Grimmett said. “I have told each of the officers that they owe the people of this county an apology. We, as law enforcement officers, should never let our personal feelings override our judgment.”

Grimmett said the department will implement a stress management workshop for all employees.