Rock Thomas, whose mother’s discarded remains were found at Tri-State Crematory, has released a letter calling for an investigation of Walker County Sheriff Steve Wilson.

Wilson drew Thomas’ attention after media reports showed the sheriff first received complaints about bodies being stacked at the crematory as far back as April 2001.

Thomas’ letter, released late last week, was addressed to Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit District Attorney Herbert “Buzz” Franklin, and asked that the “Georgia Bureau of Investigation conduct an impartial investigation in to Sheriff Wilson’s handling of the reports of bodies at Tri-State Crematory.”

Franklin on Friday said he had read the letter, but declined to comment.

“Sheriff Wilson’s denials do not hold up under common sense,” Thomas said in the letter. “I publicly ask you to request an independent investigation into Sheriff Wilson’s handling of these reports to the GBI.”

Wilson has said he believed the reports about the crematory were regulatory issues. Thomas said he can find no record of any contact with a regulatory board or agency.

Thomas said he believes the “good ole boy system” is behind many questions surrounding the investigation.

“The answer may lay in local politics,” Thomas said. “Sheriff Wilson served on the Walker County DARE board with Mrs. (Clara) Marsh. They are friends and political allies.”

“My confidence, and the confidence of many Walker County citizens, has been shattered by what these events have revealed,” Thomas said. “This episode in the history of our county has revealed a network where official actions are based on personal political relationships. This network puts the priority on political relationships and the power and advantages that come with them.”

Wilson denied political ties to the Marsh family.

“I don’t even know if she (Clara Marsh) voted for me, though I hope she did,” Wilson said. “She didn’t contribute to my campaign, and she didn’t make any phone calls for me. I don’t even know if she had one of my campaign signs in her yard.”

Thomas said he established the Noble Truth Committee “to hold public officials accountable for their actions.” Thomas can be reached by phone at (706) 398-0962