Stokes County Officer resigns, another suspended

(The Stokes News) - Two employees of the Stokes County Sheriff’s Office were charged last month in separate incidents that are said to have occurred while the officers were off duty. One employee has resigned; the other has been suspended.

According to Sheriff Mike Marshall, Sgt. David Shearin resigned on Feb. 6 after being charged with misdemeanor shoplifting in Forsyth County the Saturday prior. Marshall said Shearin turned in a letter of resignation the Monday morning following the incident.

A little over a week ago, part-time officer Chad Poteat was charged in Surry County with communicating threats and damage to property, Marshall said. The sheriff’s office has suspended him pending the outcome of the trial. As a part-time officer, Poteat worked according to demand.

Marshall said of the incidents: “Our office took appropriate action as soon as it happened … We hold everybody accountable for their actions. No one is above the law.”