A change in command staff as the week came to a close at the Polk County Sheriff’s Office drew attention from commenters online, and saw both Sheriff Johnny Moats and former Chief Deputy Jonathan Blackmon making statements about the situation.
The statements – both posted on Facebook earlier this evening – saw Blackmon make a mea culpa about “a poor decision to talk negatively about my boss and management decisions” that ultimately cost him the leadership role he held for more than a decade. He was demoted and reassigned to courthouse duty on Friday as he was heading into planned time off.
The longtime Chief Deputy serving alongside Sheriff Moats admitted fault in the statement, which follows in full:
Before things get too far out of hand, I would like to address and squash any rumors and tell you exactly what happened and what’s going on.
I made a poor decision to talk negatively about my boss and management decisions to another employee. I was wrong for doing this. I should have gone directly to him and discussed it with him, but I made a mistake.
And for that, I have deeply apologized and asked for forgiveness. I can’t take back what happened, but I can tell you that I know what I did was wrong. As far as being demoted, yes, that has happened. As far as what my future entails?
I’m not really sure…. decisions with my family have not been made yet, and honestly can’t answer those questions at the moment.
I just want to be upfront and honest, not only with my friends but with the community, which I love.
For those of you who like to spread rumors, this is truly what has happened. Out of the horse’s mouth.
Please don’t spread rumors and lies and ask any more questions. A bad decision was made, an apology was made, and a demotion happened. Things in life don’t always go as we plan, but I’m a man of my word, I will own up to any wrong I have done, and I will even apologize for it. I am not above making mistakes, same as any other person I know has or will do every day of their lives.
I hope this clears things up and at this moment, I would love for everyone not to be negative and to continue on being positive and uplifting to each other. I don’t believe in being negative, and I’m not here to bash anyone, but to set everyone straight on what has occurred.
I hope you respect my request to stop the rumors. Let’s be at peace with one another.
I think we can all learn daily how to be a better person, including myself.
- Colossians 3:12-15
JB
Polk Today sought out Blackmon for any additional comments on the matter. He declined and pointed toward his posting as his official word on the subject.
Blackmon’s statement on the matter was posted on his personal Facebook page. As a follow-up to quell any rumors, Moats reached out to Polk Today with the following statement which he posted ahead of this story on the official Sheriff’s Office Facebook page.
It reads in full as to the following:
Official Statement Regarding Recent Events
I would like to address the recent discussions surrounding Jonathan Blackmon’s demotion to ensure clarity and transparency. While Jonathan has publicly acknowledged making a mistake, it is important to note that his demotion was not solely due to speaking negatively about me or my office to another employee. He had a series of discrepancies along with it that needed to be addressed. I could have fired him for it. I could have fired any employee for it. He was my Chief for 12 years, he was my right hand man. This was not an easy decision for me, one of the hardest of my career. I prayed about it and when it came down to it,he could not fulfill the duties of Chief Deputy any longer. Instead of firing him and ruining his livelihood, I gave him one last option. If he wanted to continue to work for the Polk County Sheriff’s Office he would report to the Courthouse division as a Deputy.
We acknowledge Jonathan’s willingness to take responsibility for his actions and his commitment to personal growth.
As for the new promotions within my office, it has nothing to do with personal feelings or friendships. Jamie Kirby has been Captain of the Sheriff’s Office for many years and in several capacities. He has been with the Sheriff’s Office for 27 years and worked in every division. He has been Captain over patrol for the last 4 years. He was the most qualified to take the position as my new Chief Deputy.
I hope this clears up the rumors going around.
God Bless,
Johnny Moats
Moats additionally had no further comment on the record.
The fourth-term Sheriff who plans to retire at the end of his term was himself on the other end of disciplinary action at the PCSO while he served as a deputy under Sheriff Kelly McClendon. Moats was terminated from his job ahead of a run against McClendon in 2012 and underwent his own battle to retain his POST credentials when accused of wrongdoing.
He began his fourth and final term in office at the beginning of the year after seeking the seat unopposed.
Leave a Reply