Recorded on audio repeatedly using racial slurs, an Arkansas sheriff announced his resignation on Friday due to multiple calls for him to step down from office. In addition to the racial slurs, the sheriff can also be heard verbally abusing a woman for several minutes.
In an audio recording recently posted to social media, Arkansas County Sheriff Todd Wright berates a woman for speaking with a black man at a store while incessantly using the n-word. Although the sheriff later apologized for any offense the recording caused and insisted that he was not a racist, public outcry continued to call for Wright’s immediate resignation.
“To all I have offended or hurt I send my sincere apologies and will pray for my enemies,” Wright wrote in a May 28 Facebook post.
Initially stating that he had no intention to resign, Wright announced Friday that he was stepping down from office after the Arkansas County Quorum court met in special session and unanimously voted for Wright’s resignation. The court met Friday morning at 10 a.m., and Wright agreed to their terms.
According to Arkansas County Judge Eddie Best, Wright’s resignation will be effective immediately, but the former sheriff will continue to be paid on contract labor through September 30. Wright will not be paid for insurance or retirement during that period.
Until a new sheriff can be appointed or a special election called, Chief Deputy Randy Bateman will take over Wright’s duties as Acting Sheriff.
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