On Wednesday, April 18, 2018 Jackson County Sheriff Mike Sharp sent this letter of resignation:

Honorable Frank White
Jackson County Executive
415 E. 12th Street
Kansas City, MO 64106

Honorable Mary Jo Spino
Clerk of County Legislature
415 E. 12th Street
Kansas City, MO 64106

Dear Mr. White and Ms Spino,
Due to a pending legal matter, and in order to avoid further disruption to the important work of the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, I have reached the conclusion that I will resign the office of Sheriff of Jackson County, Missouri, effective Thursday, April 19, 2018.

He also issued this statement:
“I allowed my judgement as Sheriff and my obligations to Jackson County be clouded of my feelings for someone I cared very deeply for in the past. I am accountable for my actions.
This was a personal failing and is entirely my responsibility.
Respectfully,
Michael Sharp”

That same day Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker issued this statement:

“My office was notified in late 2017 by the county counselor of concerns regarding a pending civil action involving the Sheriff. We contacted a law enforcement agency and began our own investigation into the matter. We also closely monitored the on-going civil litigation involving Jackson County.

While the allegations that have come to light are extremely troubling, today’s resignation satisfies the state’s interest regarding a potential ‘quo warranto’ action to remove the Sheriff from office. We will continue to monitor this matter and take any appropriate action in the future.”