Government: Elbert County Sheriff Files Lawsuit Against County Commissioners

The Elbert County Commissioners are facing legal troubles once again, as Sheriff Timothy Norton has filed a lawsuit challenging their authority to interfere with his duties. This comes just days after a group of residents sued the board for violating open meeting laws. The sheriff alleges harassment and retaliatory measures from County Manager Shawn Fletcher and the Board of County Commissioners. Tensions between sheriffs and county officials are common in Colorado, with recent examples in other counties. The lawsuit also details a previous incident involving a deputy and a disagreement over drug and alcohol testing policies. Fletcher hired investigative companies to scrutinize the sheriff’s office, but no significant results were found. The lawsuit also mentions County Attorney Bart Greer’s involvement in a hit-and-run incident and subsequent attempts to cover it up. Local residents are closely watching both cases, with some expressing frustration with the board’s behavior. The lawsuits are seen as a last resort by Elbert County citizens, as they believe the administration is unresponsive and autocratic. However, the costs of litigation are a concern, with taxpayers likely to bear the burden. Commissioner Richardson hopes that resolving these issues through legal action will lead to long-term clarity on the roles and responsibilities of sheriffs and county commissioners in Colorado.

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