The Rockdale County Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy, the second in command at the RCSO, was terminated from his position as of Friday.

Rob Cordero had been appointed as Chief Deputy in 2006 by Sheriff Jeff Wigington when the position was created. Cordero, who had been a sergeant before being appointed and had started his RCSO career in the jail division, had been with the county for 16 years and made approximately $71,800 in annual salary as of Feb. 12.

Wigington declined to elaborate on the reasons for the termination, besides stating that there had been a policy violation. "It's a personnel matter," he said.

The letter of termination, issued Feb. 12, stated that Cordero had been placed on administrative leave with pay on Feb. 2 for violation of a policy that states "A deputy will not fraternize or associate himself in a personal, social or financial relationship with any person(s) of questionable character."

The letter went on to say that after being placed on administrative leave and ordered to turn in his Blackberry, identification, keys and equipment, Cordero reportedly contacted the county MIS department on Feb. 3 and went to their offices on Feb. 4 to access information on his Blackberry and remote access his county computer, against policy.

In a released statement Wigington said, "It is with regret that I had to make this decision, but I felt that I had do what was best for the Rockdale County Sheriff's Office and the citizens of Rockdale County, even when it was difficult."

The released statement went on to describe the chief deputy position as the highest ranking position in the RCSO, with supervisory and command authority over RCSO operations, and "requires the Sheriff's utmost trust and confidence." The position was also described as one that could be hired or fired at the will of the Sheriff.

"I don't intend to fill the position for now," said Wigington. "We'll go back to the way it was where the division commanders report directly to me."