Batesville Mayor Jerry Autrey said Monday that statements in Monday’s Clarion-Ledger attributed to him were incorrect.

Autrey said he did talk to the reporter and some of the quotes concerning circumstances around the death of Sheriff Hugh Wayne “Shot” Bright were incorrect.

“I wouldn’t have acknowledged that information to someone I don’t know about a friend (Sheriff Bright) of mine,” Autrey said.

The newspaper also wrongly reported that Chief Deputy Otis Griffin has been “appointed” to serve as sheriff.

Panola supervisors have not named an interim sheriff.