MARSHALL, Ark. (AP) — The state attorney general's office is appealing a circuit court decision that says Searcy County Sheriff Kenny Cassell can keep his job despite a misdemeanor conviction from 1979.
The 233-page appeal challenges a decision made in July by Circuit Judge David Clinger, who ruled that Cassell's conviction didn't disqualify him from serving as sheriff.
Cassell pleaded guilty to stealing frozen Cornish hens, worth less than $100.
Voters overwhelmingly re-elected Cassell in November.
The Harrison Daily Times reports that the appeal asks the Arkansas Supreme Court to reverse the lower court's decision and remove Cassell from office.
Cassell's attorney, Joe Don Winningham, says the misdemeanor conviction does not hurt the integrity of the sheriff's office or prevent Cassell from doing his job.
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