Judge changes mind, says he won’t appoint Dem primary winner as sheriff

NC GAZETTE / WBRT RADIO
STAFF REPORT

Thursday, May 31, 2018 — Sheriff Mike Newton will remain Nelson County Sheriff for the balance of this year — at least until General Election in November.

That’s the word from Judge Executive Dean Watts, who alerted the news media Wednesday that Newton had agreed to stay on as sheriff.

Earlier this year Watts publicly stated he had the right to appoint the winning candidate in the Democratic sheriff’s primary to replace Newton after the May 22 primary election, and would most likely do so. The statements came prior to the filing of two Republicans for the office of sheriff in the primary election.

As judge executive, Watts has the right to appoint someone to the office of sheriff, and he may consider doing so once the new sheriff is elected in the November general election. If not appointed early, the sheriff-elect will take office Jan. 1, 2019.

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