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Former Franklin sheriff ousted by Pat Green named to replace him

The Franklin County Board of Commissioners named a replacement Monday for former sheriff Pat Green, who resigned in January, one day before news broke about a State Bureau of Investigation probe into missing funds at the sheriff's office. Jerry Jones, who was the outgoing sheriff when Pat Green took office, has now been named to replace him.

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LOUISBURG, N.C. — The Franklin County Board of Commissioners named a replacement Monday for former sheriff Pat Green, who resigned in January, one day before news broke about a State Bureau of Investigation probe into missing funds at the sheriff's office.

Jerry Jones, who was the outgoing sheriff when Pat Green took office, has now been named to replace him. 

Warrants allege that Green took $90,000 from a fund used for undercover drug investigations and that he told SBI agents he was depressed and used the money to pay his mortgage and other bills. More than $100,000 in missing drug unit funds remain unaccounted for.

In 2006, Jones lost the election to Green as he battled his own controversy over a helicopter crash that killed one of his deputies. Some county leaders accused Jones of signing a secret deal to lease the helicopter without county approval and allowing a pilot with no license to fly it.

At Monday's commissioners meeting, Jones said it's time for the sheriff's office to put controversy behind it.

"It's time to Franklin County to move forward. What has happened has happened. Today is a new day," he said. "Yes, we've had two situations. Does that mean there's going to be a third? I hope not."

While he admits there were mistakes made during his term as sheriff, Jones said previous challenges have seasoned him for the job.

"Some of the things we talked about in my past administration have prepared me for this. I don't think I can be caught in anything I haven't been caught in before. I don't believe anyone can put on me stuff I can't handle," he said. "I can keep my demeanor, I can keep my professional attitude and I will lead by example."

The commissioners' decision to appoint Jones was unanimous. He will be sworn in Friday afternoon.

"He knows the office. He knows exactly what the office needs," said board chair Sidney Dunston.

Franklin County resident Ricky Gill III said he supports the board's decision.

"I think given some time, (Jones) will do a good job," he said.

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