Stout resigns as Florence police chief
An item added to the agenda Monday night at the regular meeting of Florence City Council was the resignation of embattled police chief Merlin Stout.
City clerk Darla Gore read Stout's letter of resignation to the mayor, council, and two dozen citizens in attendance.
Stout's letter indicated his resignation was effective June 1.
In his letter, Stout said his decision to resign was not an easy one for him "because of the many friends I have made
He stated his resignation is based, not on the allegations against him, but on the realization that once the case against him is concluded "it would be extremely difficult if not impossible for me to effectively return to my position and build a position of trust between myself and the Marion County Sheriff's Department."
Stout said he felt he "would likely harbor continued suspicion toward certain members of the sheriff's department and
Stout was arrested Feb. 16 by the Marion County Sheriff's Department on charges of sexual battery. He has pled not guilty to the charges and at press time is still scheduled to go to trial June 22 in Marion County District Court.
Stout's resignation was accepted unanimously on a motion by Randy Mills and a second by Ed Robinson.
