DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A longtime southern Iowa sheriff has resigned amid allegations that he sexually harassed employee, courthouse workers, witnesses and crime victims.
Decatur County Sheriff Bert Muir resigned Friday, the Des Moines Register reports.
The 66-year-old Muir denied the claims and said the county board’s move to have him removed from office was politically motivated. He said that fighting it in court would only tarnish his reputation and the sheriff’s office.
Des Moines attorney Thomas Miller on Friday filed a four-page petition in Decatur County District Court asking a judge to remove Muir from office for what was described as a pattern of sexual harassment.
The petition also says Muir married a co-worker after being elected sheriff and illegally promoted her and increased her salary.
