A week after Republican sheriff candidate Rickey D. Wallace was served with a domestic violence order of protection from his wife, he says the couple is reconciling.

A court date was set for last Wednesday, Aug. 4, but the case was continued until Aug. 18, according to the Clerk of Court's office. The ex parte domestic violence order of protection was also continued until Aug. 18.

Sheriff Tommy Allen, who's running against Wallace in November for re-election, clarified last week that Wallace was not arrested but was served with the order of protection, which specified that all his firearms be confiscated. He was also removed from the couple's home in Polkton by sheriff's deputies. Sheriff Allen declined further comment on the case this week.

The order of protection states that Wallace has committed acts of domestic violence against the plaintiff in the past. According to the order, Wallace is prohibited from threatening the plaintiff or a member of the family and is ordered to stay away from the plaintiff's residence and place of business. The order also demands that Wallace "surrender to the sheriff his/her firearms, ammunition, and gun permits to purchase a firearm and carry a concealed weapon."

Wallace said Tuesday morning that the whole thing has been "a big misunderstanding." He contends that the incident reported in the ex parte order of protection was an accident. The court papers state that on July 29, "the defendant [Wallace] did assault the plaintiff by throwing an object at the plaintiff, and striking the plaintiff in the head. Plaintiff felt threatened for her safety and fled the marital home."

"What happened was that I tossed my checkbook at her and it hit her in the head," he explained. "My wife has been suffering cancer and has been very emotional. We've lost four or five people in the past few months to cancer and it has taken its toll."

He added that his wife's mother passed away four months ago and she has been taking the loss extremely hard.

Wallace added that he's always been very active in the community, contributing especially to the DARE program and visiting patients in local nursing homes. "I've been very active in the community and give so much to the community, I haven't been giving enough to my wife," he said. "I'm realizing that now."

He added that he and his wife "are reconciling."

"Me and my wife love each other and we've been together for 30 years," he said. "I've never laid a hand on my wife. This is the first time we've ever had any problems but we are going to work through it."

Wallace also said his wife wants to retract the allegations and that the court date Aug. 18 "will be the last time we're in court."

Wallace's wife was contacted for comment but did not return calls by press time.