Fentress Co. To Select New Sheriff July 17th

The Fentress County Commission interviewed five candidates for the permanent sheriff’s position Thursday night.

The commission will select a candidate when they meet July 17th and the person selected will be sworn in the following day. County Executive J. Michael Cross said he and the commission want someone with high integrity and good leadership skills.

“We also want them to come in an unify that department,” Cross said. “We want them to bring the respect and honor back to the sheriff’s department and restore the integrity of the entire Fentress County Sheriff’s Department.

The candidates include Interim Sheriff Gary Ledbetter, James Conatser, Rodney Insco, Michael Reagan, and Tommy Rosecrants.

Former Sheriff Chucky Cravens resigned earlier this year after pleading guilty to federal corruption and civil liberties charges. He will be sentenced in federal court on July 20th and he faces up to 61 years behind bars.