Effingham asks governor to investigate sheriff stricken with MS

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Posted 9:08PM on Friday, May 31, 2002

SPRINGFIELD - Effingham County officials and the Georgia Sheriffs' Association have asked the governor to investigate whether Sheriff Jay Space is fit for office as he battles multiple sclerosis. Space, 40, announced a year ago that he has the degenerative disorder that causes loss of muscle control. He said he was controlling the symptoms with medication and planned to serve out his term that expires in 2004. But Effingham County commissioners say Space's behavior has become erratic. They say Space verbally accosted a police officer who stopped him for speeding April 24 and interrupted a commission meeting May 21 by yelling at commissioners. The commissioners and the sheriffs' association have asked Gov. Roy Barnes to appoint a committee, as allowed by state law, to determine whether Space should be suspended and perhaps removed from office. ``With all the concerns we were hearing, we thought this should be looked into,'' said Emanuel County Sheriff Tyson Stephens, president of the sheriffs' association. ``We felt this would be best for Jay and the county. Jay is a good man, and I hope everything turns out well for him.'' Space did not immediately return a telephone call seeking comment Friday. He decided to make his illness public last June after reports that he had been seen staggering on his feet at an Easter egg hunt and had been pulled over for weaving, which sparked rumors that he was abusing alcohol. Space said he was not diagnosed with MS until after those incidents, and weekly injections of Interferon Beta-1a were keeping the disease in check. ``I definitely plan to continue serving,'' Space said at the time. ``Physically, I feel better than I have in two or three years.'' Commission Chairman Phillip King said county officials remain concerned despite Space's assurances, particularly about the sheriff's ability to drive. Space has refused the county's offer to provide him a driver and continues to drive himself. County officials say the commission would be liable if Space caused a wreck while he was working. ``I'm not blaming Jay as a person,'' King said. ``I think it is the illness and the medicine he's taking that is causing the problems. I feel sorry for him, but the commission has to do what is best for the county.'' Barnes spokeswoman Joselyn Baker said the governor received a letter from county commissioners Tuesday and wants more information before deciding whether to order an investigation. By law, Barnes would appoint a committee of two sheriffs and the state attorney general to investigate. If the panel recommends suspension, Barnes could suspend Space for up to 90 days and ask the county to take steps to remove him from office.