Jones County sheriff stepping down; search for replacement under way

Jones County supervisors will interview candidates to replace Sheriff Mark Denniston, who resigns at the end of the month.

Denniston, sheriff since 1996, submitted a brief resignation letter to the county board May 24. He didn't cite specific reasons for leaving the post, writing only that "my wife and I feel that the timing is right to do this now."

Denniston, 51, ran unopposed in his last election, in November 2008. He started with the sheriff's office as a deputy in 1983.

County Auditor Janine Sulzner wrote in an email that Denniston "has been planning this for some time."

Efforts to reach Denniston Friday weren't successful.

Sulzner said county supervisors will interview prospective replacements at their June 28 meeting. Two candidates have notified the board of their interest in the position: retired Linn County Deputy Sheriff Harvey DeSotel and Rick LaMere, a retired Drug Enforcement Agency agent.

Denniston has recommended supervisors name DeSotel to succeed him, according to Sulzner.

Denniston's successor  would take office July 1, the day after his resignation takes effect.

County residents could petition for a special election to fill the vacancy. They have until July 15 to submit the signatures of 774 eligible voters, according to Sulzner.

Denniston Letter