Wood County Prosecutor Jason Wharton has requested a special prosecutor to handle the case involving Wood County Deputy Cory Six. On the night of March 4, while off duty, Six was involved in a pursuit that exceeded speeds of 120 miles per hour. He admitted he had been drinking.
Four days later, an arrest warrant was issued for Six for the incident. But, in the meantime, the deputy fled to California where he is said to be in a rehabilitation facility. Wood County Sheriff Ken Merritt said he will not take administrative action while Six is in rehab.
The troubled officer is the son of longtime county clerk Jamie Six and is being represented by attorney Harry Deitzler.
Cory Six was sworn in as a deputy in August 2011. In March 2012, Six was involved in the shooting death of Jody Wilson in Lubeck. Wilson fired on three deputies, including Six, and the three returned fire killing the suspect. Six months later a grand jury found that the law enforcement officers acted within the scope of their authority.
Today, Wharton told RCNN why a special prosecutor is necessary in this case of drunken speeding.
“We represent the Sheriff in disciplinary hearings before the deputy sheriff civil service commission,” Wharton said. “Given the dual role of handling the employment side of the issue it may create a conflict with regard to the criminal prosecution.”
