Vernon holds emergency meeting, fires public works employee after molestation arrest

VERNON – Vernon City Council met in special session Wednesday, July 28, to address the recent arrest of a temporary street department employee who has been charged with child molestation.

Jamison Shane Haskins, 40, of Vernon was arrested Thursday, July 22, after an investigation that began last fall.

According to a probable cause arrest affidavit filed by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, the abuse was reported to the Gulf Coast Children’s Advocacy Center by the alleged victim, now an adult. The victim divulged multiple incidents of molestation she states happened during her childhood with Haskins named as the perpetrator of those acts.

WCSO initiated an investigation which resulted in Haskins’ arrest. He is charged with multiple counts of lewd and lascivious behavior and molesting a victim less than 12 years old.

City council members voted unanimously to terminate Haskins’ employment.

As of Thursday afternoon, Haskins remained in custody of the Washington County Jail with a total bond of $100,000.