Shirley wins in Jefferson County's Sheriff Race
By: Ciara Brown
Updated: November 7, 2012
JEFFERSON COUNTY - Democrat Sheriff Bobby Shirley beat opponent Republican Candidate Earl Ballenger on Tuesday for the title of Sheriff in this years Jefferson County Election.
Shirley currently faces federal charges for using unnecessary force against a convicted bank robbery suspect. Shirley is also being charged with obstruction of justice for allegedly falsifying a report on the incident.
Officials were curious to see if voters would defend their current sheriff or vote for his opponent Earl Ballenger, who also served in the department for more than 20 years.
Ballenger served about 15 years with the Central Intelligence Agency before joining the department. Ballenger's career continued until 2009 until he retired from the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department with the rank of Sergeant.
West Virginia law would require Shirley to vacate his office if convicted.
Shirley currently faces federal charges for using unnecessary force against a convicted bank robbery suspect. Shirley is also being charged with obstruction of justice for allegedly falsifying a report on the incident.
Officials were curious to see if voters would defend their current sheriff or vote for his opponent Earl Ballenger, who also served in the department for more than 20 years.
Ballenger served about 15 years with the Central Intelligence Agency before joining the department. Ballenger's career continued until 2009 until he retired from the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department with the rank of Sergeant.
West Virginia law would require Shirley to vacate his office if convicted.
