The attorney for Ontario County Sheriff Kevin Henderson says his client is resigning from office, effectively immediately.

This comes after allegations of sexual harassment against the sheriff. 

Attorney Eugene Welch says that representatives of the sheriff and Ontario County met and decided it was in the best interest of Henderson, his family and employees of the sheriff's office that he resign.

Welch added that neither side would comment further about the resignation. 

The Ontario County Board of Supervisors launched an investigation into sexual harassment and other complaints against the sheriff earlier this month. A five-member panel had subpoena power to investigate the claims. The deputy sheriff has since resigned.

Henderson, in a previous statement, has denied any wrongdoing, and said he welcomes the findings of the investigation. 

Last week, the union representing the deputies, the Police Benevolent Association (PBA), says it has no confidence in the sheriff's ability to continue leading. It called for Henderson to resign.

The PBA alleged the toxic culture the sheriff created, coupled with the sexual harassment investigation, made it impossible for him to lead the office going forward. The PBA says under his leadership 17 deputies have left the office since 2019, leaving only 26 road patrol deputies for a total of 45 positions. According to the PBA, three more deputies are leaving in the next month.  

County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jack Marren says that Chief Deputy Sheriff John Falbo is now overseeing the department. He adds that another undersheriff's resignation was also given Wednesday. Marren says Gov. Kathy Hochul or the Ontario County judge could appoint an interim sheriff.

Henderson was in his first term as sheriff and would have been up for reelection next year.