Deputy Resigns After Internal Investigation Reveals False Statements

On September 24, 2012, Deputy Joshua J. Gitchell, age 31, with the Madison County Sheriff’s Office reported, that while on-duty, he fractured his right hand by slamming it in the door of his patrol vehicle. Deputy Gitchell did seek medical attention and it was determined that his right hand was fractured. Later that day he filed an On-The-Job-Injury Report.

On October 2, 2012, the Madison County Sheriff’s Office received information that Deputy Gitchell fractured his hand at his residence while off-duty. An internal investigation was conducted and at the completion of the investigation, Deputy Gitchell was presented with a Statement of Charges at which time he resigned in lieu of disciplinary action.

Deputy Gitchell has been employed with the Madison County Sheriff’s Office since September 2008. He was assigned to Rose Hill School as a School Resource Officer.

BACKGROUND:
In June 2009, an internal investigation was conducted due to Deputy Gitchell calling in sick. The investigation revealed that after calling in sick, he was involved in an altercation at a local establishment later that day. At the conclusion at the internal investigation, he was given 15-days off for violating departmental policies.