Meal costs for deputies in dispute

Standard-Democrat

BENTON, Mo. - Scott County Sheriff Bill Ferrell said he will pay personally for expenses incurred during an investigation after Scott County commissioners denied reimbursement.

Ferrell met with commissioners during Thursday's county commission meeting to answer questions regarding a bill for $24.95.

The bill, according to Ferrell, was to reimburse two deputies for food and drinks supplied to investigators from other law enforcement agencies working on an armed robbery and arson connected with the shooting of detective Lt. Mark Crocker of the Sikeston Department of Public Safety on Oct. 10.

Ferrell said the food and drinks were for investigators who worked well into the night gathering evidence from the crime scene.

Commissioners asked Ferrell what was the purpose of the per diem reimbursement.

Ferrell said the food purchased went to officers from other agencies - not his deputies - and that he would reimburse the deputies himself. He said Sikeston police and other agencies had furnished thousands of dollars in equipment and manpower to assist Scott County in the investigation.

In a press release issued following the meeting, Ferrell said it was wrong for the commission to not reimburse the deputies for food and drinks supplied to men who risked their lives for Scott County residents.