By Alabama Public Radio
Blountsville, AL – Both the mayor and police chief of Blountsville say they will not resign despite requests to do so. Members of the group Committee for Open and Honest Government asked Police Chief Michael Harris and Blountsville Mayor Bob Sharpe for their resignations at Monday's city council meeting. The group also presented a petition with about 400 signatures seeking Sharpe's resignation or removal from office. Citizens are outraged that a registered sex offender was allowed to serve on the Blountsville police force. John Matthew Langston resigned three weeks ago just before he was going to be fired. He had only served a few weeks. But he's listed on the Alabama Department of Public Safety's online sex offender tracking system. He pleaded guilty to second-degree sexual abuse last year involving a pre-teen female relative. It's a misdemeanor. He was given a 12-month sentence but was ordered to serve 45 days in work release.