Davison County Jail Vote Questioned

MITCHELL - A vote to award a Davison County Jail security camera contract to the brother of the county commission chairman is raising conflict of interest questions.

Chairman John Claggett voted with other commissioners this past week to award a nearly $9,000 contract to Aurora Security Products of Letcher, a company owned by his brother, Paul.   John Claggett did not abstain or mention the connection.

Claggett told the Daily Republic that the vote was an oversight and he was not aware that the contract involved his brother's company. He says he's recused himself in the past whenever his brother was involved.

Deputy State's Attorney Jim Taylor says he'll look into the matter.

Jail Administrator Don Radel says the county has a history of using equipment and services from the Claggett family.

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