Commission delays certification decision in Hancock County officer matter after public comment

At the start of new business the commission returned to an informal‑subcommittee matter involving William Evans of the Hancock County Sheriff's Office. Commissioners said public comments at a prior meeting raised concerns that the November informal hearing did not include the full set of facts or the agency’s perspective.

Commissioner Wright moved that the commission not certify the informal hearing findings from November and to reschedule hearing of the matter for January so that investigators could collect additional information. Commissioners supported assigning investigators to probe the discrepancies and to report back; the motion to continue the matter carried on a voice vote.

During the public‑comment period, Melinda Johnson — who identified herself as the mother of the assault victim at the center of the complaint — thanked commissioners for taking up the issue and urged them to continue investigating. "My son was beaten nearly half to death and has permanent injuries," Johnson said. She told commissioners she planned to attend the next meeting.

Another commenter, Eric Scott, identified himself as a former employee and reiterated concerns about untruths in prior statements related to the case. Commissioners emphasized they wanted investigators to seek additional facts and to ensure both sides can be heard at the January hearing.

The commission’s actions in the meeting were procedural: the November informal hearing was not certified and investigators were directed to gather more information ahead of the January hearings. No final certification or disciplinary outcome was recorded on Dec. 12.