A judge has dismissed an official misconduct charge against the Pike County sheriff.
Sheriff Paul Petty is also the county coroner. He was accused of failing to draw blood samples for a toxicology test before a body was embalmed. The woman’s death is being investigated as a suspected drug-induced homicide. Petty pleaded not guilty.
A special prosecutor who had been appointed to handle the case said the charge was filed incorrectly, adding that a case like this could not be proven.
Petty said he’s relieved the charge was dismissed.