Charles City animal control officer retiring Jan. 31

Charles City animal control officer Frank Bates will retire from his position effective Jan. 31.

An announcement during the Jan. 27 Charles City Board of Supervisors’ meeting revealed that Bates will step down from his post. When taking action on a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the county and New Kent Sheriff’s Office, it was revealed that the animal control officer will enter retirement after more than 30 years of service.

The MOU was required to be adopted to have animal control services for Charles City. Effective Feb. 1 to June 30, New Kent Sheriff’s Office will handle a majority of the responsibilities of animal control in Charles City. Charles City county administrator Zach Trogdon expects the county’s sheriff’s department to have a deputy in place on July 1 who can handle the responsibilities of the animal control officer.

Bates is currently facing legal matters in Charles City stemming from an Oct. 30 incident where he allegedly assaulted and battered a woman after trespassing on her property. A special prosecutor is currently handling the case. No further details are available as of this time on the outcome of a Nov. 5 arraignment from Charles City General District Court.