Towns County Sheriff fails to set record straight; alludes to rumors on social media

Opinion

HIAWASSEE, Ga. – Following repeated, failed attempts to obtain firsthand information from Towns County Sheriff Chris Clinton, Fetch Your News (FYN) is obligated to report what we can confirm. Sheriff Clinton made it clear Feb. 22, that he has no intention of addressing the concerns of Towns County citizens if presented with questions by our investigative news team.

“You can tell them that Fetch Your News is not my mouth piece,” Clinton lashed when FYN requested to speak with the elected official in Hiawassee Friday morning. The comment followed ignored, emailed requests to meet with the leader. FYN was not provided an opportunity to pose any questions prior to the sheriff dashing out of the building. FYN has attempted to gain pertinent information from Sheriff Clinton on several topics of citizen importance for many months to no avail.

FYN maintains cordial relationships with the sheriffs in our 10 adjoining counties of coverage. Law enforcement officials in surrounding areas, including the city department, have proven to run transparent divisions, responding to requests for information when questions arise. While deputies and staff within the Towns County Sheriff’s Office make an earnest effort to inform the public, retrieving information from the sheriff himself has proven uneventful for FYN.

As strong supporters of law enforcement, it is FYN’s sincere regret to have reached this point in our reporting. When our organization receives overwhelming inquiries on the same subject matter, however, it is our policy to contact the individual in question in order to provide an opportunity to set the record straight, an invitation which FYN has diligently extended to Towns County’s lead officer.

It is never our intent to foster conflict in our dissemination of information, and FYN remains an open platform for public leaders to voice their views. While FYN stresses the innate difficulty attached in releasing this report, Sheriff Clinton’s uncooperative disposition branches beyond the scope of the media. FYN initially reported similar concerns regarding the sheriff”s disposition from multiple, local emergency agencies in March 2018, following a school lock-down drill. Critics referred to the operation as an ongoing “lone ranger” act by the elected official.

“Where is Sheriff Clinton?” is a resounding question that no one seems capable of answering, and one that the sheriff has refused to address in the past. Scrutiny regarding Sheriff Clinton’s lack of visibility as the county’s chief law enforcement officer, outside of speaking engagements, was brought to the attention of FYN by dozens of citizens, including members of the Towns County Homeowners Association (since renamed Towns County Civic Association), as early as 2017. While few will likely dispute that Clinton is anything less than a skilled public speaker, citizens and government employees attest to habitual absences from his offices and the field.

Unrelenting rumors regarding the sheriff’s activity began to swirl within the community in late 2018, with a multitude of citizens continuing to contact FYN for accurate information. Sheriff Clinton’s reclusive and defensive nature led FYN to uncover themed-speculation from solid sources, prompting FYN to actively pursue direct contact with the lead lawman in expectation of quietly quelling the rampant hearsay.

Known for its accuracy, FYN does not engage in reporting unsubstantiated allegations. What is indisputable, however, is that Sheriff Clinton has refused to address the citizens on any matter through the region’s fastest growing news network. Coupled with Clinton’s denial to provide information on basic matters, it unfortunately leaves one to ponder what the public official may not want known.

Following the brief encounter with FYN, Clinton alluded to “rumors” and “facts” on social media Friday evening without providing substance. As an official who once stated that he prefers to “write my own news,” a blog that was launched by the sheriff in early December remains sparse of information.

It cannot be stated strongly enough that FYN is not validating any accusations directed toward the sheriff by publishing this piece. It is our duty, however, to provide the public with the information obtained. FYN harbors no ill will toward the public official, and will continue to hope for an outcome that will provide the citizens with the answers sought.

Despite ironclad evidence, Sheriff Clinton has been quick to parrot popular phrases in the past such as “fake news” and “drive-by media” as an alternative to accountability. It is anticipated that this report may garner a similar response from the constitutionally-elected officer.

FYN will continue to provide accurate information for the citizens that we serve should it become available.

2 Comments

  1. Angie Dover February 25, 2019 at 11:17 am

    I moved from there last summer and there was talk of this years before but people were scared to speak up. It must be nice to draw a people funded paycheck while singing songs and doing who knows whatelse. I’m glad its finally coming out!

  2. CJ King February 25, 2019 at 10:39 pm

    Way past due.

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