Nichole Manna

The Jackson Sun

Madison County Sheriff John Mehr confirmed today that he has hired his wife, Michelle, to work part-time at the Sheriff's Office.

Mehr said she works 29 and a half hours a week in the evidence room at metro-narcotics. Madison County records show she makes $20 an hour.

"There's a backlog of evidence that needs to be cleaned out and destroyed," he said. "It's stuff that's been there for 20 years."

The hiring of his wife was done based on her expertise and training in the field, as she is a certified police officer and has worked high-ranks at police departments and has worked with the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

"She's actually over-qualified," he said.

Because she's a part-time employee, Mehr said she doesn't receive any benefits.

That's also why the job wasn't posted before her hiring, Mehr said.

"I've hired other part-time employees who are specialized in those fields because of their qualifications," he said. "We're setting a higher standard, one that has never been set before."

Michelle Mehr will report directly to Lt. Marc Byrum, who is over the Metro-Narcotics Unit.

"She does not answer to me," Mehr said.

Mehr hopes the hiring of qualified people will help the department get accredited, he said.

Mehr said he doesn't believe his wife working at the Sheriff's Office is a conflict of interest.

Reach Nichole Manna at (731) 425-9657. Follow her on Twitter @NicholeManna