BEAUMONT — The Jefferson County Commissioners split on a 3-2 vote to appoint Charlie Wiggins as interim constable for Precinct 1 Monday.

Last week, Earl White stepped down as Constable to become the fire chief for Beaumont and the commissioners tabled the vote to appoint a replacement until Monday.

Commissioner of Precinct 4 Everette “Bo” Alfred nominated Chief Deputy Joe “QB” Stevenson. Commissioner of Precinct 3 Michael Sinegal seconded the motion, but he motion received votes against by Commissioner of Precinct 1 Eddie and Commissioner of Precinct 2 Arnold Brent Weaver.

Arnold and Weaver voted for Deputy Constable Wiggins, who was the Constable of Precinct 1. Sinegal and Alred voted against the appointment of Wiggins.

Stevenson pled not guilty, along with Sheriff Zena Stephens and Ray Beck on state charges of accepting undisclosed campaign contributions. Stevenson is accused of accepting $1,000 before losing to Stephens in the primary Democratic Primary in 2016.

Weaver said that his decision to vote for Wiggins was based on the fact that Wiggins contacted him about the job.

“I’m only going by the fact that this is the man that called me to express interest in the job,” Weaver said. “That’s what I’m going on. I know he’s qualified. No one else called me and personally talked to me that I can recall. I know (him). (He’s) in that office, wearing those colors, wearing that patch. I’m confident that (he) will do a good job.”

Wiggins said that he called Sinegal as well, but he was out sick.

“I wanted to thank you guys,” Wiggins said. “I have the support of Chief Stevenson and our office. Things are going to be good. When someone new comes in, clerks get nervous about what’s going to happen. By picking someone from the inside, we have six more months with the clerks not fearing where they are going.”

Stevenson gave a nod of approval of his support while Wiggins was talking.

“I feel that Constable Stevens is not guilty until proven so,” Sinegal said. “You can indict a cucumber. I don’t mean to air (his) dirty laundry, but he’s not guilty of anything until it goes through a court of law. Personally, I want to say that I wouldn’t even support (him) as Chief Deputy If (he is) convicted. As far as I’m concerned, (his) standing in the community is impeccable, as it stands.”

Alfred said that he felt the court went away from its usual way of business.

“We’ve always put in the first I line,” he said. “We’ve went away from what we’ve done. That’s were my problem is.”

Jefferson County Judge Jeff Branick said that he believes that everyone is innocent until proven guilty, but voted for Wiggins due to Stevenson’s looming trial.

“Deputy Stevens, I have nothing against you,” Branick said. “You’re obviously qualified to do the job. It’s just the current circumstance until those issues are resolved.”