Wife put trust in the wrong people

            As you may have noticed, the folks at the Times decided it was newsworthy to publish the fact that the estranged spouse of a former Republican candidate for sheriff of Franklin County had been charged with grand theft in Okaloosa County.  All true.  I was a proud candidate for sheriff of Franklin County, I am happy to be a registered Republican, she is my spouse and she was charged with grand theft.

            Not forgetting the premise that everyone charged is presumed innocent until proven otherwise in a court of law, we also know that only applies to the judicial system, not the media.  We have had cases here in Franklin County where the wrong individual was arrested and charged by the Sheriff’s Office, prosecuted by the State Attorney and acquitted in 15 minutes by the jury.  It’s a huge personal expense for the individual who must defend him or herself and a huge expense to the taxpayer who must fund the judicial exercise.

            As a career law enforcement officer, I truly believe the case against Ms. Thornton will bear the same results, if it even goes to trial.  I encourage you and the folks at the Times to follow the case closely.  Charlie Morris, the former Sheriff of Okaloosa County was sentenced to 71 months in federal prison for his part in the conspiracy. This is an excellent example of how power corrupts and how absolute power (that of a constitutional officer) has the potential to corrupt absolutely.

            Sabra Thornton is my wife, estranged or otherwise and the mother of my children.  If the people of Franklin County taught me one thing during my candidacy, it is that family comes before all else, and families stand together no matter what.  I will stand by her, regardless of the allegations.  She’s a loving mother and a true professional, who was at the wrong place at the wrong time and put her trust in the wrong people.  This is not the end of the story, please stay tuned.

            Respectfully,

            R. Bruce Barnes