Polk County Sheriff Chris Abril held a meeting to thank his supporters Friday afternoon, one day after handing in his letter of resignation.
News Channel 7 learned Abril turned in a letter of resignation Thursday night that terminates his employment effective Sunday. Abril's child sex trial is scheduled to begin Monday, November 17th, according to court documents.
Sheriff Abril took 5-10 minutes to address supporters at the Mills Spring Fire Department Friday afternoon. Told them thanks for all their support that he needed to take some time for himself and his family and focus on the trial and his future.
His attorney asked supporters to do what they can for him, show their support in court or via letters.
Abril was arrested in August of 2006 and charged with five counts of first-degree statutory rape and one count of first-degree sexual offense over alleged incidents in 1988 and 1989 involving a 10-year-old girl and a 12-year-old girl. Abril faces five counts of first degree statutory rape. He says he is retiring because its best for him and his family. Around town he has his supporters and detractors. Some residents of Polk County say he was a great sheriff. Others hope his resignation will rid the county of the bad news.
Abril was elected Polk County Sheriff in November 2006, despite the sexual offense charges, beating incumbent David Satterfield. The Polk County Democratic Party Executive Committee will now have to choose a successor, which, according to Polk County Commissioner Ted Owens, would have to be approved by the County Commission.
The chief deputy will take over Sunday for the time being. News Channel 7 tried to reach Abril Thursday night without success.
The entire retirement letter is below:
"For many reasons, my service as Sheriff of Polk County has become extremely difficult to perform to the high standards I have set for myself as Sheriff and that I have required of the employees who have worked for the Polk County Sheriff’s Office during my administration.
The ongoing negative and controversial social climate surrounding my service as Sheriff have had a profound impact on my family, the employees of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, and our community.
I have concluded that in order for the Polk County Sheriff’s Office to be able to best serve our community, this climate must change – something I am convinced cannot be accomplished by either me or my administration.
Therefore, after careful and lengthy consultation with my family, friends, advisers, spiritual leaders and counsel, I have decided to retire as the Sheriff of Polk County, effective at midnight on Sunday, November 16, 2008.
This decision has been a most difficult one. However, for my family and for this community, I believe it to be the right one. The survival of my family depends on my ability to devote more time to them. Further, this community needs to resolve its differences over my service as Sheriff and then move forward under a new administration. I want to thank my many supporters over the years and hope that they will understand the reasons for my decision.
I also sincerely hope that our new Sheriff will give thoughtful consideration to retaining as much of the present staff of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office as possible.
Many of the present employees have families and children to support and I do not wish this decision to impact them negatively, especially given the present economic crisis.
I will provide our next Sheriff with as much aid as requested and required to ensure an efficient and orderly transition. It has been my honor to serve as the Sheriff of Polk County."
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