This interview was recorded at the Henderson County Justice Center Wednesday, March 16, with Sheriff Botie Hillhouse and Michael V. Hannigan.
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In this week's podcast, Sheriff Botie Hillhouse discusses a continuous sexual assault of a child case, an animal cruelty case, the Jail Academy, and the First Responders Rodeo.
I. Stats (:57)
Summary: There are currently 452 in the jail with 96 of those being contract inmates.
II. Continuous Sexual Assault of a Child (1:40)
Summary: On Sunday, March 13, Sheriff's deputies met with an individual in reference to a continuous sexual assault of a child case. Later that day, the Sheriff's Office received a call from a residence in Safari Waters about a male with a gun to his head threatening to kill himself. When the Sheriff's Office responded, deputies learned the subject was the suspect in the child sex assault. The Sheriff's Office was on the scene for about three hours negotiating with the subject before "deploying a less-lethal round" giving deputies the chance to disarm him.
Quote: "Everybody worked together. It's nice to see when you get out on the scene like that and everybody organizes together and they know what to expect from each other without having to communicate," Sheriff Hillhouse said after describing the tactical operation.
III. Animal Cruelty Case (7:48)
Summary: On March 3, the Sheriff's Office received a report of horses not being cared for on CR 3800. The Sheriff's Office found more than 30 horses in poor condition with three dead. After investigation, the Sheriff's Office found that the owners were from out of town and had a man and woman who were supposed to be caring for the horses. The man and woman were arrested on multiple counts of cruelty to animals. The horses were moved to a different location and are still in the possession of the owners.
Quote: "They just weren't getting enough food. They were in bad shape," Sheriff Hillhouse said.
Remember: The SPCA will be providing an investigator to the Sheriff's Office for animal cruelty cases. This investigator hasn't been assigned yet but is coming.
IV. Jail Academy (12:19)
Summary: The Sheriff's Office began its most recent Jail Academy Wednesday.
Quote: "We're fortunate enough to be able to teach our own academy instead of having to send them to other areas," Sheriff Hillhouse said.
Remember: If you are interested in a career in law enforcement, the Sheriff's Office is a great place to start. You can become a jailer and the Sheriff's Office will help you get your license.
V. First Responders Rodeo (14:24)
Summary: The Henderson County First Responders PRCA Rodeo is scheduled for April 22 & 23 at the Regional Fairpark. Tickets are available here.
