D.A. To Discuss Obstruction Case Against Chief Deputy

We should learn more Tuesday morning about the Lincoln County chief deputy charged with obstruction of justice.

District Attorney Rick Shaffer planned to discuss his case against Barry Taylor. The indictment says Taylor protected someone who may have been drinking and driving in 2007.

It says another deputy arrested the driver, but Taylor stepped in and took the driver into custody before the deputy could do an "intoxilyzer test" or "complete any other aspect of his investigation."

The indictment doesn't say who the driver was or why Taylor may have risked his job and freedom to help him or her.

But, if the allegations are true, Lincoln County residents are disappointed. Crystal McSwain said, "That's bad."

We spoke with Sheriff Tim Daugherty about Taylor, his right-hand man. The sheriff told us, "I support my chief deputy. I believe in him 100% and I don't believe he has done anything wrong."

On Tuesday, Shaffer also plans to talk about a recent SBI investigation into the sheriff's office.

• PDF: Bill Of Indictment