Correction: James Murry filed an Arkansas Ethics Commission complaint against incumbent Sheriff Gerald Robinson in March that led to a letter of caution and a $100 fine in June over Robinson’s use of government-owned equipment to aid in the distribution of tickets to a campaign fundraiser. Murry’s last name was misspelled in this article.
PINE BLUFF -- A candidate for Jefferson County sheriff has filed a complaint with the Arkansas Ethics Commission against Sheriff Gerald Robinson, who is seeking re-election this year.
In his complaint, independent candidate James Murray of Pine Bluff claimed three violations of Arkansas laws.
Murray wrote that Robinson, a Democrat, closed the sheriff's office Feb. 6 "in order that his office personnel and deputies could attend his fundraising event," but "no deputies or office personnel turned in leave slips to attend Sheriff Robinson's fundraiser while on county time," according to Ethics Commission documents.
In connection with the campaign event, Murray's complaint stated that "office personnel and other deputies assisted in serving food while on county time. Some of the county personnel were wearing Gerald Robinson campaign regalia while on county time."
Additionally, according to Murray's complaint, Robinson "distributed his campaign fundraising tickets from his county office and the county office of Chief Deputy Stanley James.
"Deputies were issued 10 tickets each from the county office during business hours of operation and while officially on duty."
Murray's complaint also stated that Robinson "held a staff meeting [during which] he threatened his staff by stating [:] 'If any of my staff is found to be supporting or assisting my opponent, James Murray in his campaign, you will be dealt with.'"
Robinson has directed all comments on the matter to his attorney, Greg Robinson. Robinson said he could not discuss the case because it is still pending.
State Desk on 03/19/2014