Beaufort's Extra Fishy Fish Camp

An impressive private island owned by the Clerk of Court’s family appears to have connections to the sheriff who would rather this not be written.

A Director’s “transfer” to Sheriff Tanner

Mark Roseneau is married to the Beaufort County Clerk of Courts, Jerri Ann Roseneau. Up until recently, he had worked for Beaufort County as the longstanding Director of Facilities Maintenance. In that position, he had access to a county purchase card (P-card) and frequently worked with contractors who provided services for the county.

Following Mr. Roseneau’s recent resignation, he started a new “Project Manager” position for Sheriff PJ Tanner at the Beaufort County Sheriff Office (BCSO). This position appears to have been newly created, was likely not publicly posted, and may not have received more than one application during the hiring process.

Since properties owned by the county are historically under the purview of the County Administrator, why would BCSO need or want a position that the county already provides? Reviewing the BCSO organizational chart, it is difficult to imagine that a sheriff could reasonably claim to have purview over construction, electrical systems, and climate control issues, much less justify $120,000 for it.

As was relayed to this writer:

“How can he [Tanner] make a position to manage and improve ‘facilities’ when those facilities – by statute – are operated by the County Administration?”