He spoke to WKDZ on Thursday after County Judge-Executive Hollis Alexander announced Barnes' resignation that morning. He began by apologizing, and by dispelling a rumor that he's heard.
"I'm sorry to my supporters, to Trigg County citizens and to my family. I'm not going to go into everything that happened, but would like to stop the rumors of anyone thinking that the Trigg County Sheriff's office had anything to do with anyone under age. That is simply not true," Barnes said.
Kentucky State Police announced in June that they were investigating possible misconduct involving members of the Sheriff's Department. Alexander told WKDZ at the time that he believed the FBI was also involved in the investigation. State Police said a special prosecutor was assigned to the case in the event someone is charged.
Barnes told WKDZ, "It's always been said that we as law enforcement are held to a higher standard, and that is the truth. I have decided to retire September 1, and I will be answering for my part of any wrongdoing. Again, I am truly sorry and wish Trigg County and the Trigg County Sheriff's office the best of luck going forward."
Barnes was elected in 2018 when he defeated two-term incumbent Ray Burnham in the Republican primary election.
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