Polk County officials have agreed to offer some accused criminals an opportunity to stay out of jail.
Sheriff Steve Ross said last week offenders have a “rare opportunity to take care of outstanding misdemeanor Failure to Appear (FTA) warrants without being arrested or booked on the charge.”
But the offer is for a very limited time, and the accused must take the initiative to take care of the warrant.
From June 15 through June 30, 2020, anyone with a Polk County General Session court FTA warrant can call the Clerk of Courts office and have the warrant recalled. “You will be given a new court date and the opportunity to get back on track,” Ross said in an announcement.
To take advantage of the opportunity, offenders must call the Clerk of Courts office Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to reschedule court dates. The phone numbers are 423-338-4524 or 423-338-4525.
This “amnesty opportunity,” Ross said, is being offered in cooperation between the sheriff’s office, District Attorney Steve Crump, General Sessions Judge Brooklyn Townsend, Clerk of Court Melissa Keith, and Benton City Police Chief Rocky King.