The State - News from March 30, 1988

Merced County Sheriff Bill Amis tendered his resignation Tuesday, effective in January, amid an investigation into alleged misuse of a special sheriff’s deputies fund. County Supervisor Anthony Whitehurst described his reaction as one of “shock and dismay.” County Dist. Atty. Frank Dougherty and the county grand jury are probing use of the $100 fees charged to special deputies organized two years ago into a volunteer search and rescue team. It has been reported that $10,000 was generated by the fees, which Amis said was used for equipment, training, excursions and an annual dinner. Amis, who has served five years as sheriff, has denied any wrongdoing in connection with handling the fund.