Lowndes Co. Sheriff pleads not guilty in Hayneville Municipal Court

From the West Alabama Newsroom–

A dispute between the Lowndes County Sheriff and the county commission — goes before a judge in Hayneville Municipal Court.

Sheriff Chris West is facing charges of Harassment — and Interfering-with-a-Governmental-Operation.

“There was a packed courthouse. So, this is obviously a matter of public interest and great public concern. And Sheriff West is eager to have these charges behind him so he can move forward with the duties that he was elected to perform,” said West’s attorney Richard Rice.

West pled not-guilty to the charges — and his attorney made a motion — to have the charges against him thrown out.

Judge Fred Bell did not dismiss the case — but he took the matter under advisement.

“I think the judge did the right thing. And I think that, you know, my right to be heard will be done. As well as and so is the sheriff’s right to be heard,” said Commissioner Robert Harris.

The judge set a trial date for November 14th — if the motion to dismiss is not granted.