Sheriff fires drug investigator

White County Sheriff Neal Walden confirmed Tuesday that he has terminated the county's investigator on the Appalachian Drug Task Force.

Drug Investigator John Steelman was fired on May 9, Walden said, for “violation of policy and procedures.” Walden would not give any details surrounding the incident leading to Steelman's dismissal. Steelman had been employed by the county for about four years, Walden said.

The sheriff said Steelman still has the right to an appeal of the decision and an investigation is ongoing.

- Carolyn Mathews