Sheriff Tuhy Takes the Stand

Alex Hagan | 7/25/2012

Yesterday, former sheriff`s deputies took the stand in a court hearing involving Stark County Sheriff Clarence Tuhy. Witnesses testified against Tuhy saying he created a hostile environment in the workplace and stole items from the House of Manna. Today, the defense got a chance to respond to those accusations.

Tuhy took the stand in his own defense against the accusations made toward him.

"Did any of those employees that appeared yesterday come to you with any specific complaints in regards to a hostile work environment?" asked defense attorney Michael Geiermann.

"No they did not," Tuhy said.

Tuhy responded to questions made on the high turnover rate, but said his employees have more experience this time around.

"They had left, they were right at about 34 years or 36 years of experience."

"And the officers you have hired to replace them, how many years of service?" asked Geiermann.

"It was either 70 or 72."

The sheriff replied to accusations made on stealing items from a charity. Although he said he did not ask permission to take the items, he returned them once he had been asked to.

"To me it was just a misunderstanding, it`s what I felt and unfortunately, I mean I apologize for it, just when it happened and it got taken care of."

In response to the bullet-proof vest former deputy Ernie Shear wore, Tuhy said the vest was not as bad as it seemed.

"It was a little bit smaller than Ernie, but it would have been better than nothing."

And he considered the workplace not a hostile environment and said he never treated employees unfairly.

"If they had concerns, I was not aware they had left for them reasons."

Now it`s up to the Governor to decide if Tuhy will continue to serve as Stark County Sheriff. North Dakota law states that the Governor is given the power to remove a county sheriff. The testimony will be presented to him within 10 days.

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