AKRON - A district judge has cited Washington County Sheriff Larry Kuntz for contempt after he refused a court order to take an elderly man to the hospital, 9Wants to Know has confirmed.
This comes after a 9Wants to Know investigation into a judge's order which required Kuntz to take Clarence Vogl, 91, to the hospital to get medical and psychological tests.
Kuntz believed the man was of sound mind and should not be forced to go to the hospital against his will.
"I refused to do the order," Kuntz told 9Wants to Know investigators earlier this year.
The contempt citation requires the sheriff to come to a county hearing to determine whether Kuntz should have punitive sanctions imposed.
Clarence Vogl's son, Walt Vogl, says he's happy the sheriff is in trouble with the law for not taking his father to the hospital.
Walt Vogl maintains that because his father was not cooperating with family members, they needed the sheriff's help in taking their father to get help.
"The sheriff should be punished for not doing his job," Walt Vogl told 9Wants to Know.
Kuntz says he will fight the citation and the county has hired an attorney to defend him.
The contempt hearing date has not yet been set.
Have a comment or tip for investigative reporter Jace Larson? Call him at 303-871-1432 or e-mail him
jace.larson@9news.com
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