LEVELLAND, Texas (AP) - Jurors have begun deliberating the case of a West Texas sheriff accused of official misconduct and incompetence.
David Kinney's civil trial went to the Hockley County jury in Levelland Thursday after jurors heard closing arguments.
George Thompson, an attorney for Hockley County, argued that Kinney ignored signs that one of his deputies was involved in a drug ring. He said county officials who suspended Kinney were trying to protect county residents.
Defense attorney Rod Hobson argued the move against Kinney was "a witch hunt" by county officials who knew what results they wanted from their investigation before it began.
The county suspended Kinney without pay in August after accusing Kinney of filing false reports and incompetence in the hiring and supervision of his staff. That's after two deputies were linked to a methamphetamine ring.
Levelland is about 30 miles west of Lubbock.
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