Further developments in stolen morphine case

Judge-Executive John Wilson’s office has given me copies of letters sent to Thomas Shelton from John Wilson, first suspending and then firing him. In both letters, Wilson writes that Shelton has already admitted to stealing the morphine.

From the first letter, suspending Shelton on Sept. 14:

Dear Mr. Shelton,

This letter will serve as your written notice pursuant to Section 5 of the Garrard County Personnel Policy that you have been suspended without pay, effective immediately until further notice.

Your department head has requested your suspension due to your alleged misconduct in being responsible for theft of drugs from EMS. It is my understanding that you have confessed responsibility for this to both Director Colby Arnold and to state police Detective Bill Collins. This suspension is necessary to assure public confidence in governmental oversight of its employees and to assure the integrity of the county’s inquiry into the allegations.

I consider this alleged offense to be severe enough to warrant your immediate suspension. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely, John Wilson

And from the second letter, firing Shelton on Oct. 13:

Dear Mr. Shelton,

This letter will serve as your written notice pursuant to Section 5 of the Garrard County Personnel Policy that you have been terminated effective immediately.

You are being terminated for the offense of theft of narcotic medications from the Ambulance Service. You have allegedly admitted this to both Director Colby Arnold and State Police Detective Bill Collins. I consider this offense to be serious enough for dismissal on the first offense.

I request that you turn in any equipment you have belonging to the county as soon as possible. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely, John Wilson

Watch for a story in today’s paper.