The Hamilton County Grand Jury has indicted Hamilton County Sheriff's Deputy Daniel Wilkey on multiple charges.
Sheriff Jim Hammond said on Tuesday, “Earlier this afternoon, I was notified the Hamilton County Grand Jury handed down indictments against Patrol Deputy Daniel Wilkey pertaining to incidents he was involved in while on duty in an official capacity.
"As an employee of the HCSO, Deputy Wilkey is covered under Civil Service which requires this agency to follow a specific process as to how his employment status is addressed during the investigative phase and once formal charges have been issued.
"In accordance with Civil Service guidelines, a Pre-Determination Hearing will be scheduled to address Deputy Wilkey’s employment status. Throughout this process, my staff and I will continue to cooperate with the District Attorney’s Office and provide any evidence or records necessary to aid in their investigation.
"In the days that follow, I want to reassure our community, each and every day the men and women of the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office are to perform their duties in a deliberate, honorable, and professional manner. We are charged to protect this community and its citizens and this is a responsibility
"I take very seriously.My staff and I will continue to follow the steps laid out by Civil Service and cooperate with the District Attorney’s Office throughout the course of this investigation.”Deputy Wilkey is currently at the Hamilton County Jail being processed at this time."
In one incident, James Myron Mitchell claimed that Wilkey and another deputy carried out a roadside body cavity search looking for drugs. Sheriff Hammond earlier said he did not believe the deputies went into the body cavity.
In another incident, a woman said Wilkey, while with another deputy, told a woman he had stopped that he wanted to "baptize her." She said he stripped down to his underwear and had intimate contact with her during the incident.
Several lawsuits have been filed against Wilkey and the county.