She says the letter is required by law in advance of a lawsuit she plans to file against the Sheriff’s Office. Steven Ganey used to be a captain with the Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office. However, he took early retirement in June after he claims he was demoted to lieutenant without cause. He says that demotion was just the beginning of his troubles.

In the letter dated August 13th, 2012, Ganey’s attorney claims Major Shepard Bruner and Lieutenant Billy Jones took Ganey’s children from his home “without benefit of any court order.” The letter goes on to claim Major Bruner helped Ganey’s wife file a petition for a domestic violence order “he knew was false”. Ganey’s attorney also claims witnesses overheard Major Bruner planning to “have Mr.Ganey “set up for investigation” on a bogus sexual harassment complaint.Attorney Marie Mattox tells us the letter is in advance of a lawsuit she plans to file against the Sheriff’s Office within the next six months.

Sheriff Donnie Crum declined comment on the letter due to the pending lawsuit. According to Ganey’s attorney, his wife is a relative of Sheriff Crum and a friend of Major Bruner.Mrs. Garney’s mother is related to Sheriff Crum and she is also the niece of Major Lagston, the Undersheriff.  There are also allegations that Major Bruner has a relationship with Mrs. Garney. Major Bruner denies these allegations. Ganey’s attorney Marie Mattox says her client is suing the Sheriff’s Office for negligence, negligent retention and conduct unbecoming a public employee.

Former WCSO Sheriff, David Harvey, resigned this year leaving the office open for a new sheriff to be elected in the November election. Donnie Crum was appointed by Gov. Scott as the interim Sheriff until the elections. Undersheriff Langston is running for the position with Charlie Creel as his opponent. One of Creel’s campaign promises is to request a complete audit of the office since many citizens questioned whether Harvey’s former staff are still performing under the policy of the “good ole-boy” system.  Harvey left office under a hail of questionable actions from hit and run to running a liquor establishment at the golf course.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Related:

Documents Regarding Corruption Of Wakulla Sheriff David Harvey