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Wood County sheriff to retire

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Wood County Sheriff Steve Stephens appeared before the Wood County Commission on Thursday to address the complaints and allegations against him. He said he was working on improving the environment at the sheriff’s department. (Photo by Brett Dunlap)

PARKERSBURG -- The sheriff of Wood County is retiring effective Dec. 1, according to a letter dated Friday and discussed by the County Commission this morning.

“Effective 12/1/21, I hereby retire from my position as Sheriff of Wood County,” the one-line letter from Sheriff Steve Stephens said.

Stephens was named in a lawsuit by a former deputy, Della Matheny, alleging misconduct and inappropriate behavior. A complaint was also filed by Deputy Tasha Hewitt making similar allegations. In October, the Wood County Deputy Sheriff’s Association sent a letter to the sheriff and the commission informing them of a vote of no-confidence in Stephens’ leadership.

The commission hired a Charleston law firm to investigate the allegations in an effort determine whether Stephens should be removed from office.

Read more in Tuesday’s edition of The Parkersburg News and Sentinel.

Starting at /week.