Bove resigns after his demotion, citing `rampant' politics at jail.

• Position: LOCAL NEWS

Byline: Lee Hammel

Scot J. Bove, who last week was demoted from assistant deputy superintendent at the Worcester County Jail and House of Correction, retired before his first shift as a captain at the jail.

Mr. Bove, 45, ran for the Democratic nomination for sheriff in September. He had worked at the jail for 27 years.

Mr. Bove said yesterday, "I ran to take the politics out of the facility. Obviously it's continuing to run rampant, and ultimately I wasn't going to sell my soul for political gain. It was time to go." He said he retired as of Saturday.

Sheriff Louis G. Evangelidis said, "That comment isn't worthy of a response, but I do wish Mr. Bove well in his retirement. I'm disappointed Mr. Bove didn't choose to join our reform efforts at the jail."

Richard J. Rafferty, Mr. Bove's lawyer, said last week, "We're looking at all our legal options at this point."

Mr. Evangelidis, a Republican from Holden, defeated Thomas J. Foley, who defeated Mr. Bove in the Democratic primary in September.

Mr. Evangelidis said last week he is "trying to make sure I put my stamp on the operations of the...