In a move that has stirred local discussion, Trey Bynum, a former officer of the Marion Police Department, has been rehired by the St. Francis County Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Bobby May confirmed the rehiring, stating that Bynum, a certified law enforcement officer, was brought on as a deputy on June 2 and is set to begin his duties on July 11.

Community Reaction

The decision to rehire Bynum has not been without controversy. A petition on Change.org has gathered over 300 signatures, calling for his removal from the department. The petition reflects ongoing community concerns following Bynum’s dismissal from the Marion Police Department, which was linked to scrutiny over his employment history. Specifically, it was revealed that a previous law enforcement agency was omitted from his original employment application.

Bynum’s past has been under public scrutiny due to his connection to the 2024 death of Tripp Brazeale, an incident that has continued to resonate within the community. Despite this, Sheriff May expressed confidence in Bynum’s abilities, describing him as a good officer and expressing eagerness to work with him again.

Political Context

The rehiring comes at a politically sensitive time, as Sheriff May is currently seeking reelection. His opponents in the general election include Republican Tommy Hampton and Democrat Gil Brazeale, the latter being related to Tripp Brazeale. This context adds another layer to the public’s interest in the sheriff’s personnel decisions.

Original reporting: NEA Report (Jonesboro) — read the source article.