PONTIAC - Livingston County State's Attorney Seth Uphoff said the resignation of Sheriff Marty Meredith marks the end of a troubled time in Livingston County.

Uphoff describes the ongoing investigation of the sheriff as a dark cloud that's been hanging over the county for the last several months. Meredith has announced that he'll step down from his position, and Uphoff said that marks a positive change for the county.

"I think this is probably the first little glimmer of sunlight we've seen, with the sheriff's resignation coming at the end of the month."

Meredith is accused of misusing county property and could face charges of official misconduct. The investigation remains in the hands of the Appellate Prosecutor's office, and in August Special Prosecutor Charles Coburn made an announcement that new evidence had surfaced in the case. Uphoff believes that was a wake-up call.

"I don't think it's a coincidence that last month the Appellate Prosecutor said they'd be coming down with a decision or releasing something toward the end of August, and here we are in the first few days of September and the sheriff is resigning."

The Special Prosecutors haven't yet released the new information to the public. They only said their case is moving forward.

Meredith has always maintained that he's done nothing wrong and he believes he'll be exonerated. Meredith said he intends to pursue opportunities out of state once he steps down from the sheriff's office.
{Pontiac Leader)

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