Motions are scheduled to be heard Aug. 14 in the case of the James Sigman, the former sheriff of Texas County who was indicted and arrested last month on multiple felonies.
Sigman, who is free on $500,000 bond, also moved to replace Circuit Judge William Hickle. Presiding Judge John Beger is overseeing it. Beger granted a preliminary order July 27 that ousted Sigman as the county sheriff because he could no long carry out the responsibilities of the office. While Sigman has denied the allegations in an answer in court, no hearing has been held.
Rowdy Douglas was named the interim sheriff until an election is held in the fall. Many of the dispatchers, jailers and deputies who left the department under Sigman’s leadership during the last year returned to their old assignments after Douglas’ appointment.
In a letter written to the Texas County Commission, Sigman’s attorney, Jason Coatney of Springfield, claims the three-member panel illegally replaced Sigman with a new sheriff and then stopped paying him. Coatney also requests that the county pay him for legal fees incurred in defending Sigman in the Texas County grand jury indictment because he has not resigned.
“It is also my understanding that as an employee of Texas County, Mo., he is entitled to a defense to any and all allegations as long as he remains employed as sheriff of Texas County,” Coatney wrote.
Sigman and his chief deputy, Jennifer Tomaszewski, each face six felonies and two misdemeanors. State investigators allege the pair engaged in a romantic relationship at the sheriff’s department. Both entered not guilty pleas earlier. Coatney joined Tomaszewski’s defense efforts on Aug. 1. She also is free on $500,000 bond. Under the conditions, neither is to have any contact with each other.
On July 24, the commission named Douglas the new interim sheriff until an election occurs in November. Douglas said he would not be a candidate. The offices of the central committees of the Republican and Democratic parties will name their party nominees, the commission said.