Benton Co Commissioners, on 2-1 vote, take control of jail

A contentious discussion between Benton County Commissioners Jerome Delvin and Shon Small led to a 2-1 vote Tuesday morning approving a resolution to create a new Department of Corrections. That move takes control of the jail away from Sheriff Jerry Hatcher, effective midnight tonight.

Commander Scott Souza has been offered the role of jail administrator, with Captain Joshua Shelton, second in command. Commander Tom Croskrey had been running the facility on a day-to-day basis while Hatcher tended to his legal matters, but declined an offer to retain the role moving forward, and has submitted his resignation, effective immediately.

In a letter from the commissioners to Sheriff Hatcher, the body noted that any employees solely paid out of the jail budget will now be under the Corrections Department umbrella.

Commissioners Delvin and Beaver voted in favor of the move, while Commissioner Small voted against it.