Sarah Scully, Anchor/Reporter
“A hell of a shot” and more information from Coy Phillips’ lawyer Sean Devereux…
Former Madison County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Coy Phillips, currently awaiting trial for 5 felonies and 2 misdemeanors, including allegedly giving drugs, alcohol, tobacco and deadly weapons to inmates, assaults with a firearm on a detention facility employee and involuntary servitude of an inmate, appeared on screen at the Madison County Courthouse July 16.
Long-time Asheville area attorney Sean Devereux, of Devereux & Banzhoff, will represent Phillips after determining there was no conflict of interest because they did not have any open cases together.
His next disposition hearing court date is Sept. 19.
I spoke with Devereux by phone Aug. 2 about Phillips, the upcoming trial and the previous story reported from anonymous sources of Phillips firing a rifle across 6 lanes of Interstate 26 traffic to shoot a deer while in uniform from an unmarked patrol vehicle on the first day of hunting season Nov. 23, 2021.
Devereux said, “I’m not saying he did or he didn’t, but 200 yards across the Interstate, that’s a hell of a shot. Whoever made that shot is the kind of law enforcement officer that you want. Not saying it was Coy.”
Devereux said this about some of the anonymous sources who may speak about his client, “When you were a law enforcement officer for two decades, you made a lot of enemies. And so there are plenty of meth heads out there that are only too happy to give anonymous statements about you. If they want to say something, you’ve got to come out and say it. It takes no courage to make an anonymous statement.”
Devereux said he expects the trial to start in early 2027, and does not believe the trial should be moved to a different county to ensure a fair trial.
He said, “I think you can get a fair trial in Madison County.”
When asked why he chose to represent Phillips, Devereux said, “I’ve worked with Coy for years and I’ve seen him do some really decent things. I like Coy.”
On an editorial note, I have been working on investigating about 12 different stories relating to the sheriff’s office since the original story aired.
I’d like to thank all of the former law enforcement officers and community members who have talked to me anonymously. I believe in shining a light in fair and objective reporting.
I’d also like to thank Sean Devereux and all agencies willing to speak to you, the public, through this reporting.
And to all of you, special thanks for your patience and understanding as these stories develop fully and go under editorial review before publication.
To see the earlier story referenced: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1HNqkHfj18/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Disclosure: As with all stories, especially in Madison County, I aim to give you transparency by disclosing any association with a source. I first met Sean as a young girl when he represented a close family member and helped him get justice.
