COURTLAND—Southampton County Supervisor Dr. Alan W. Edwards has a trial date scheduled for Thursday, March 27, in Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court in Southampton County.

The Jerusalem District representative was arrested late on Feb. 3 on a charge of assault and battery of a family member, according to Det. Scott Griffith of the Southampton County Sheriff’s Department.

“He was arrested at home – the 29000 block of Mill Stone Road – and bonded out soon after being arrested,” said Griffith. “He did not spend the night in jail. He was released at 1:30 a.m. Monday on a $5,000 unsecured bond, which means there’s no need for a bondsman.”

A protective order was issued, which requires that Edwards not return home. That’s usually the case in domestic issues, the detective said.

As to the doctor’s whereabouts, that’s evidently unknown.

Griffith said he doesn’t know where Edwards is now.

A representative of Edwards’ office stated she could not speak on the matter.

Erin Edwards, his wife, also declined comment, but did add that she’s had no conversation with him since the arrest.

Nor do fellow supervisors apparently know Edwards’ location.

Dallas Jones, board chairman and supervisor for the Drewryville District, said he’s had no contact with Edwards since their last board meeting on Jan. 27.

As for the charge, “I just can’t comment,” said Jones. “There’s nothing we can do. If convicted, we could ask for his resignation.”

Michael Johnson, county administrator, also said he’s had no communication Edwards since learning of the charges from Sheriff Jack Stutts.

“[Edwards] is under no obligation to contact me or fellow supervisors, and none of them have indicated to me that they’ve spoken with Dr. Edwards about the charges,” Johnson said.

He added that Edwards remains “supervisor unless he chooses to resign for personal reasons or is convicted of a felony – other board member’s personal feelings aren’t particularly relevant, except to the extent that they serve to influence Dr. Edwards.”

Should the supervisor resign, the board has “45 days to appoint a qualified voter from the respective district to fill the vacancy until a special election is ordered and held, and the person that’s elected qualifies (takes their oath). If the board can’t agree, or if they fail to act, the circuit court judges may make the interim appointment,” said Johnson.

Bruce Phillips of the Capron District said he had no comment as a supervisor. But, personally speaking, “I’m keeping Dr. Edwards and his family in my prayers throughout this difficult time.”