He accused the media of spreading misinformation and ended the conference.
As he walked toward his vehicle, the cameras followed.
He kept his chin raised.
But the confident public performance couldn't change the records investigators were gathering.
The sheriff's supporters weren't all malicious.
Some had known him for decades.
He'd helped during storms.
Visited hospitalized deputies.
And attended funerals for local residents.
Others believed criticism of Cleary was really criticism of law enforcement in general.
That belief made the controversy difficult.
Isaiah understood it.
He'd served under leaders who made mistakes while also performing honorable work.
A person's past contributions didn't disappear when misconduct was discovered.
But those contributions didn't erase the need to answer for later actions.
During a community forum, Isaiah was asked whether he hated the sheriff.
He considered the question.
Then shook his head.
"No."
The moderator looked surprised.
Isaiah continued.
"I'm angry about what he did. I'm concerned about the records. And I believe his decisions need to be examined fairly."
He paused.
"But hatred isn't what brought me here."
A man in the audience stood.
"Then why are you making such a big deal?"
Isaiah looked toward him.
For several seconds, he remained calm.
Then answered.
"Because the next person stopped on that road might not have a federal investigator trying to locate them."
The room became quiet.
Isaiah continued.
"They might be a nurse driving home. A teenager visiting family. Or an elderly man who doesn't know how to challenge an improper accusation."
He looked toward the audience.
"Every person deserves an officer who examines the facts."
The man slowly sat down.
There was no applause.
But the room had changed.
The county commission eventually held a public hearing concerning the equipment and towing programs.
The room filled with residents, local officials, veterans, journalists, and employees who wanted to understand what was happening.
The commission didn't possess unlimited power over an elected sheriff.
It couldn't simply erase his office or determine criminal guilt.
But it could examine county contracts, require appropriate financial accountability, and cooperate with independent investigations.
The first presentations concerned equipment records.
Auditors described discrepancies in the emergency preparedness inventory.
Several listed items couldn't be reconciled with the supporting documentation.
Then they discussed the contractor arrangements.
Redline and affiliated companies had received payments requiring further examination.
Some work was legitimate.
Other transactions lacked reliable authorization.
Residents listened closely.
For many, the financial details were complicated.
But the central problem was understandable.
Public equipment intended to help communities during emergencies appeared to have been used in ways that benefited private businesses.