SHERIFF APOLOGIZED FOR PAIN

                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SATURDAY, January 25, 1992                   TAG: 9201250186
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: A-3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: BRISTOL                                LENGTH: Short
SHERIFF APOLOGIZED FOR PAIN
The city sheriff who killed himself amid an investigation of his alleged skimming of jail money apologized in a suicide note for causing "so much pain."
"My last thoughts are of my wonderful family and friends," wrote Marshall Honaker, who is survived by his wife and two children. "I love you all very much. God has forgiven me. I hope you all will. Love forever, Marshall."
City Manager Paul Spangler read the note Friday at a news conference at the request of Honaker's family. The sheriff's relatives wanted to end rumors and suspicions about the note's content, Spangler said.
A postscript said: "I am truly sorry to cause you all so much pain."
Spangler wouldn't answer questions.
Honaker, 55, placed the note on his office desk Wednesday before pointing a 12-gauge shotgun at his chest and pulling the trigger, officials said.
The sheriff had come into his office at the city jail for the first time since taking a leave of absence Jan. 10, the day federal agents raided his home and office.
Honaker, Bristol's sheriff for 18 years, resigned last week as president of the National Sheriff's Association.
Federal officials suspected him of taking $377,700, money that was paid to the department for keeping prisoners for the District of Columbia and the federal government.
The suicide came the day after a federal grand jury began an investigation.

by Archana Subramaniam by CNB