ABC 33/40 - Birmingham News, Weather, SportsDirector defends 'Community Service Program' against Sheriff

    The Interim Director of the Tuscaloosa County Community Corrections Program defends its process from comments made by Sheriff Ted Sexton on Monday.

     During a press conference Monday afternoon updating a weekend apartment shooting that left six people shot, Sexton insinuated issues with program were to blame for one of the suspects involved being free.

     Donald Wynn was out of jail on drug charges but failed four drug tests in the past month.  Sexton said Wynn "should not have been on the street."

     Interim Director, Ronnie Maneice tells ABC 33/40 they were following court requirements to get Wynn to comply with his supervised released.  Maneice says they had increased Wynn's drug testing after one positive, but he was being tested multiple times per week.  He says it often takes time for the drugs to leave a person's system --  so the number of positives for the time period seemed inflated, but its part of the process.  "Much of what Sheriff said is not correct....I've talked to the sheriff and he will correct that."

     However, by phone Sheriff Sexton tells ABC 33/40 he stands by the information he discussed during the Monday press conference because the information is reflected in official court records he has on Wynn.

    The community corrections program which is funded and overseen by the Tuscaloosa County Commission has come under scrutiny lately.   Its formal director was accused of overspending and indicted on sexual abuse charges.

   However, interim Maneice maintains the program is sound despite its recent history. However, some commissioners have motioned to dissolve the program but failed to get adequate support.