“What we have here is an assault on the democratic process,” said Felicia Hix, vice chairwoman of the RCGOP. “A sheriff is entrusted to uphold the law. When you have both a sheriff serving illegally, and the government agency entrusted with oversight of the sheriff refusing to enforce the law, you put both our judicial system and our democracy in question.”

Last week, the Rutherford County Election Commission decided Jones’ name will remain on the Aug. 5 County General Election ballot after receiving a County Attorney’s opinion that stated a complaint filed by Republican Sheriff candidate Robert Arnold challenging Jones’ eligibility to run for re-election for the Rutherford County Sheriff came too late after the ballots had been finalized.

Arnold alleged Jones’ 2001 psychological evaluation was signed by a psychologist, Dr. Robert Scollon, whose license had expired in 1989. The same psychologist evaluated Jones in 1976.

By state law all candidates for sheriff must pass a psychological evaluation to run for the office. That evaluation is then certified by the POST Commission and given to the local election commission.

"A number of sheriffs and other law enforcement officials underwent the same process of renewing our psychological certifications in good faith, and as directed by the POST Commission,” Jones said in response to Arnold’s allegation. The POST Commission has cleared jones of any wrongdoing in the matter.

Arnold’s next possible course of action is to contest the election after the final results are in.

Jones issued the following statement Thursday afternoon:

"The POST Commission acted correctly the week before last, the Office of Attorney General's opinion is correct, the Rutherford County Attorney's opinion was correct as was last week’s decision by the county’s Election Commission
 
"A number of sheriffs and other law enforcement officials underwent the same process of renewing our psychological certifications in good faith, and as directed by the POST Commission.
 
“My intent is to keep running a clean campaign. The goal of this campaign is to ensure the continued safety of this county's citizens through proactive law enforcement practices, procedures and programs.
 
“I stand on my experience, integrity and dedication."