RUSSELLVILLE, Ky. (WBKO) – WBKO Investigates has learned that Logan County Prosecutor Joseph Ross is seeking a special prosecutor to review an investigation into allegations made against Todd County Sheriff Tracy White.
A complaint filed with Ross’ office on June 13 by Adam Weatherford describes an incident on May 3 allegedly involving Sheriff White.
Ross told WBKO Investigates this week that his office immediately asked the Kentucky State Police to investigate the incident. The investigation was completed and returned to Ross on July 17.
While details of the investigation were not disclosed, WBKO Investigates obtained from Weatherford details of his complaint, which he filed with the Logan County District Attorney’s Office.
Weatherford claimed that Sheriff White verbally abused and assaulted him.
This week, WBKO Investigates reviewed a nearly 10-minute video of the encounter that was posted to YouTube last week. The video has since garnered significant attention, having been viewed over 257,000 times as of Friday morning.
It shows Sheriff White and an unidentified woman in a heated argument with Weatherford and his wife.
Sheriff White accused Weatherford of threatening his children and using his vehicle to harm a relative.
He also called Weatherford a “meth junkie,” referring to his criminal record, which he allegedly discovered when his name was checked.
“They will not bother my children anymore and I have told them not to come to your house anymore,” White said.
The video shows Sheriff White wearing shorts and a T-shirt and work gloves, suggesting that he was not in an official capacity at the time of the incident.
In his statement to prosecutors, Weatherford expressed fear that the situation could have escalated further if he had not recorded it.
“We are very uncomfortable leaving the house because we don’t know what this man is capable of,” Weatherford said.
WBKO Investigates attempted to reach Sheriff White for comment but has not received a response.
Ross declined to comment on the possible charges that could be brought against Sheriff White, but noted that he had requested a special district attorney who typically prosecutes lower-level crimes.
If the case goes to trial, a special judge will also be appointed because Logan and Todd counties are in the same judicial district in Kentucky.
Further information was not initially available.
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