Seneca County officials remain silent following a public controversy involving Commissioner Bill Frankart, a combative child custody dispute, and a deleted article critical of Advertiser-Tribune reporter Kayla Trevino. The lack of response from county leadership has raised questions about transparency and accountability.
The controversy began when Sheri Trusty, a county employee, published an article on the county’s official website that criticized Trevino’s reporting on Commissioner Frankart’s custody efforts. Frankart is seeking custody of his granddaughter after his son, Zachary Michael Frankart, was convicted of sexual assault following a 2021 arrest for raping a college student. Allegations of stalking by a private investigator working for Frankart have added complexity to the case, with a civil protection order being filed by his former daughter-in-law.
The article, which was removed from the county website just a day later, has generated public concern about the appropriateness of using county resources for personal disputes and the potential implications for the free press. The article also included a photo of Trevino sourced from her Facebook profile, further raising ethical concerns.
Lack of Response From County Officials
Attempts to reach Seneca County officials have been met with silence. According to a recent Advertiser-Tribune report, County Administrator Derek DeVine did not respond to inquiries regarding whether an independent investigation would be initiated or if any official determination was forthcoming.
Commissioners Frankart and Tyler Shuff also did not respond to written inquiries about the situation, and Commissioner Anthony “Tony” Paradiso was unavailable for comment. Similarly, Sheri Trusty has not yet explained why her article was removed or who may have directed her to write it.
The lack of communication has fueled public interest and concern about the county’s handling of the matter.
Commissioner Bill Frankart: A Figure Under Scrutiny
Bill Frankart, elected as Seneca County Commissioner in 2022, has become a prominent local figure due to his involvement in various controversies. His participation in a class organized by a far-right Christian nationalist group and his attendance at the January 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol have contributed to his reputation as a polarizing figure.
Currently, Frankart is involved in a combative custody dispute over his granddaughter, stemming from his son’s conviction for sexual assault. Public attention has focused on the ongoing legal battles and the protection order filed against Frankart by his former daughter-in-law. These issues have drawn scrutiny to his role as a county commissioner and his involvement in family legal matters.
Frankart has not publicly addressed many of the allegations surrounding the custody case or his son’s legal issues.
Sheri Trusty: The Article’s Author
Sheri Trusty, the author of the now-deleted article, has found herself at the center of this controversy. Her decision to publish a critique of Kayla Trevino on the county’s website has prompted questions about her motives and the possible involvement of other county officials.
While Trusty has not responded to requests for comment, many are questioning whether her actions were independently made or if she was directed to publish the piece by someone else within the county government. Her role in the controversy has placed her under public scrutiny.
Zachary Michael Frankart: The Convicted Son
Zachary Michael Frankart, Commissioner Frankart’s son, was arrested in 2021 on charges of raping a college student. His conviction has complicated the custody battle, which centers on Commissioner Frankart’s efforts to gain guardianship of his granddaughter. The situation has become a focal point for public debate given Zachary’s criminal history and its potential impact on the family’s legal matters.
While Commissioner Frankart has expressed concern for his granddaughter’s well-being, the legal complexities surrounding Zachary’s conviction and the ongoing custody dispute have drawn significant public attention.
Calls for Transparency
As the situation continues to develop, the lack of official responses from Seneca County leadership is becoming a growing concern for residents. Many are seeking answers about the use of public resources, the ethics of using the county website for personal matters, and whether an investigation will be launched to address these issues.
With county officials remaining silent, the need for transparency and accountability is becoming increasingly pressing.
