SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND)- Several Sangamon County Board members are calling for the resignation of County Sheriff Jack Campbell after the tragic death of Sonya Massey.
Board members Marc Ayers and Tony DelGiorno took to social media on Tuesday, voicing their concerns and disappointments with how Sheriff Campbell handled addressing the community for the first time at the community healing and listening session in Springfield on Monday.
Ayers shared the following post on Facebook and is urging other members of the board to follow suit.
DelGiorno also shared his thoughts in a Facebook stating "Sheriff Campbell has lost the confidence of the community to trust that he would and could effect the systemic change necessary in county law enforcement."
WAND reached out to both board members for further comment.
Ayers added, "This was an easy decision to make. After a mountain of previous disciplinary actions in Grayson’s history came to light, and the insensitive words from Sheriff Campbell at the DoJ community healing forum, it’s clear our Sheriff doesn’t have the judgement and temperament to lead this department further. Public trust has been shattered. We are human beings before we’re county board members, and if what happened to Sonya Massey doesn’t cause you to speak up and demand change, I’d question your intentions on the county board and the people we are elected to serve."
DelGiorno had nothing more to add, at this time.
Campbell has previously rejected calls for his resignation. At a Monday healing session hosted by the U.S. Department of Justice, Campbell said he needs to lead the office through this incident.
"You all are the reason I ran for sheriff, my commitment to you has never wavered," Campbell said. "I cannot step down, I will not abandon the sheriff's office in the most critical moment that would solve nothing... I vow to listen and learn."
Campbell was elected sheriff in 2018. He was re-elected in 2022 to a second four-year term.
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