MORGAN COUNTY — Longtime Morgan County Jail Commander David Rogers abruptly resigned his post last Wednesday, Jan. 14, following a brief meeting with sheriff Rich Myers.
According to Myers, he received an allegation of a “policy violation” on Monday, Jan. 12, and during the course of his investigation, he sat down with Rogers about midday on Wednesday.
After a brief discussion in the sheriff’s office, Myers came out and announced Rogers was no longer jail commander.
Rogers had served at the jail for nearly 25 years, including 20 as jail commander under three different sheriffs, including Myers, Bob Downey and Charlie Beaver.
Last summer, Rogers formally announced his intention to run for sheriff this year, and he enjoyed the backing of plenty, including Myers.
His abrupt resignation stunned many, and last Thursday morning, he sent out a statement to political supporters giving more details as to why he left.
He said the internal policy he violated was one that prohibited communication with inmates and their families. And it was a policy he, in fact, implemented.
“At the time it was written, the jail environment was very different,” his statement read, in part. “The focus then was largely on incarceration alone.”
But according to Rogers, modern incarceration focuses on rehabilitation, reentry and a support system of family and friends.
“Unfortunately, the policy I created years ago was never updated to reflect these changes in philosophy, practice or communication,” the statement said.
He went on to say the “individual I communicated with was not housed in the Morgan County Jail and was not serving time in Morgan County.”
“I have been friends with this individual and their family for 17 years,” according to the statement. “The individual is nearing release, and my intent was to assist with their transition back into society.”
In the statement, Rogers said the decision to resign was his alone, and he would “accept responsibility for my decision.”
At the time the statement was sent out, Rogers had not yet made a decision as to whether he would continue his campaign for sheriff.
But on Monday, he issued another statement and said the decision was made.
“After careful thought and prayer, I have decided that I will not continue my campaign for sheriff,” it read. “This decision was made after taking the time to reflect thoughtfully and without emotion, and due to the cumulative stress that comes with many years of public safety service.
“After 25 years, I believe it is time for me to move forward and embrace what God has planned for the next chapter of my life.
At this juncture, Morgan County Sheriff’s Office Capt. Dan Downing is the only candidate to file for Morgan County Sheriff.
Jail operations
Following last week’s resignation, Myers said he had appointed two lieutenants “as kind of co-jail commanders” in the short term. But he has yet to decide what the long-term scenario will look like at the county jail.
“There’s a lot of moving parts and there’s a lot of dedication to that position — a lot of hours people don’t know about,” Myers said.
Myers is looking to find someone already on staff, but who it is remains to be seen.
“We’ll have conversations with those (two lieutenants) and other interested parties who would be interested in stepping into that role,” Myers said.
Given the magnitude of the role, Myers wants to ensure it’s “a thoughtful process we don’t want to hurry into.”
