Wade maintains his innocence to workers
By Margaret Toal
Staff writer
ORANGE - Sheriff James Wade's employees applauded during a meting he called Thursday morning to proclaim his innocence in an FBI investigation of allegations that he assisted in the operation of a Methamphetamine laboratory.
Wade met with many of the Orange County department's 84 employees. The closed meting was conducted in the commissioners courtroom in the courthouse rather than the jail and office complex.
Applause and Laughter could be heard outside the doors at the end of the meeting. Wade said afterward he called the meeting "just to brief them on what happened yesterday."
U. S. District Judge Howell Cobb, after hearing testimony Wednesday, continued a protective order to keep Wade and others from contacting Donnie James Flowers and former Orange County Deputy Don Duhon.
County personnel director Janice Masciarelli said Duhon called her Thursday to resign. He had not reported to work in nearly two weeks.
Authorities have said the two men are witnesses in a federal investigation in which Wade has been identified as a subject.
The hearing included testimony from Hardin County Sheriff H. R. "Mike" Holzapfel and FBI agent Zechariah Shelton, who said informants have told them Wade was involved in the manufacture and sale of methamphetamine Wade said his meeting Thursday with staff was to "reiterate to my people that I'm not guilty."
"this (the meeting) was not a political deal," he said. "It was strictly to inform them of the court procedure."
Wade also said he told employees he agreed to the protective order Cobb issued for Flowers and Duhon. Wade said he told employees not to make any contact with Flowers or Duhon and what actions to take if the tow violate any law.
Wade said his employees are supporting him and " morale is excellent."
"I don't think there's been any doubt (about his innocence) in any of their minds," Wade said.
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