LaRue County sheriff to retire

Following more than 10 years in office, LaRue County Sheriff Bobby Shoffner has announced his intent to retire.

The county’s Chief Deputy Russell McCoy confirmed Shoffner’s pending retirement Monday but made no further comment.

As of Monday morning, Judge-Executive Tommy Turner said he had not received a notice of retirement or resignation from Shoffner.

Kentucky law stipulates the county appoints a replacement in the event of an early retirement or resignation of an elected official.

The News-Enterprise has made repeated attempts to contact Shoffner since Thursday. However, Shoffner has not returned messages and his staff has said he is unavailable.

Shoffner has served as LaRue County’s sheriff since 2002. He was re-elected in 2010 by a 2-1 margin over his Republican opponent, Jack Smith.

The LaRue County Sheriff’s Office has been in the news frequently in recent months.

Deputy James E. Williamson was placed on administrative leave in December after he fired shots at a fleeing suspect.

According to a Kentucky State Police news release, the suspect’s vehicle spun out during a pursuit and came to a rest.

Williamson got out of his vehicle and began to approach the suspect, Thomas E. Ferguson, police said. However, Ferguson accelerated toward the deputy, who fired multiple shots.

One of the bullets struck Ferguson in the head, police said, and he was pronounced dead after being transported to University Hospital in Louisville.

On Monday, Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Whitney Meredith said the investigation into the shooting has been completed by state police.

Commonwealth’s Attorney Terry Geoghegan must review the investigation, Meredith said, and decide if and when it will be presented to the LaRue County grand jury.

Sarah Bennett can be reached at (270) 505-1750 or sbennett@thenewsenterprise.com.