The Ontario County Board of Supervisors says it plans to proceed with a formal investigation into actions by County Sheriff Kevin Henderson and some of his employees.
A statement released Tuesday by the Office of the County Administrator says that after getting numerous complaints to the county’s anonymous tip line in late 2020, the Board of Supervisors hired outside counsel early this year.
The statement from the county says that the results of the independent investigation were “extremely concerning and highlight the poor leadership, lack of integrity and low employee morale” within the Sheriff’s office.
A statement was released earlier on Tuesday by Sheriff Kevin Henderson, which says that after the internal probe, there was a meeting between the sheriff and Board of Supervisors Chairman Jack Marren. Henderson says during that meeting, the sheriff was asked “under threat of retaliation” to resign this week.
But Henderson says he has no intention of resigning, and says he “reaffirms his commitment to the citizens of Ontario County to put public safety before politics.” Henderson also says the Ontario County undersheriff, David Frasca, voluntarily resigned.
There is a Public Safety Committee meeting on Wednesday, and supervisors will consider resolutions relating to the internal investigation and also to look at removing the 911 Emergency Communications Division from the Sheriff’s Office.
Henderson who has been with the Sheriff's Office for more than 35 years, was elected sheriff in 2018 after longtime Sheriff Phil Povero retired.
