Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Hahn seeks reinstatement as jail commander in letter
BENTONVILLE — Lynn Hahn, who was fired Friday as commander of the Benton County Jail, wants his job back and a chance to clear his name.
Hahn formally requested Thursday afternoon a hearing before the county’s Grievance Council. The council is made up of justices of the peace, and the members were to be named by newly elected County Judge Barry Moehring at an organizational meeting Thursday evening.
Hahn said in a six-sentence letter to the county he’s appealing his termination and, “In regards to the name clearing, it was reported in the media that I was terminated and that there was an active internal investigation.”
Hahn said in a Facebook message Wednesday night he has never been disciplined for anything in his 13 years with the Sheriff’s Office. Hahn said he didn’t violate any written policy or law. “I can’t say more right now on the advice of legal counsel,” Hahn said.
Benton County Sheriff Shawn Holloway confirmed Wednesday that Hahn, who held the rank of captain and jail commander, was fired last week.
Holloway was sworn in shortly after midnight Sunday. He wasn’t the sheriff when Hahn was fired Friday, but Holloway served as chief deputy for the Sheriff’s Office.
Holloway declined to give reasons for Hahn’s termination, citing an ongoing internal investigation concerning Hahn. Holloway said he wants to review the internal investigation to determine if firing was the right decision.
Holloway said he hadn’t seen the grievance and was still waiting for the results of the internal investigation review before he could comment. He said Hahn has the same right as any employee to file a grievance request.
“He has the right to do that,” Holloway said. “We’ll have that hearing and the evidence will come out.”
Barb Ludwig, human resources administrator, said Thursday an employee who has been fired has three working days in which they can filed a request for a hearing. The county then has 14 days in which to decide whether to grant the request and schedule a hearing. Any decision or recommendation made by the Grievance Council is advisory and not binding on the elected official involved.