Newly Elected Ottawa Co. Sheriff Makes Plans For Changes

There is a new Sheriff in Ottawa County, and he hopes to make some positive changes when he takes office in January.

Sheriff Elect David Dean said he plans to address two main concerns when he takes office: adding more deputies to the staff and making sure the jail is secure.

"Try to get the roof fixed, the fire suppression system fixed. I've actually talked to some citizens around here that have said they're willing to come in and do a little bit of work volunteer work as long as I can get it approved through the county commissioners,” said Dean.

Back in July, current Sheriff Jeremy Floyd said four or five inmates damaged the jail when they began rioting. At the time, Floyd said he thought the repairs would cost around $40,000 to $50,000. Then, he said an electrical fire at the jail forced him to close it and move the inmates to other counties. Floyd said those repairs would be $300,000.

"They just had two people escape, and the reason behind that was given that the doors were not secure; so, that's really not letting this public feel safe if the jail doors are not secure,” said Dean.

Dean said he believes the issue of securing doors should be resolved before January, but, if not, he’ll make sure inmates cannot escape.

"Not just in this county, but other counties also because t's our responsibility to make sure that they stay incarcerated where the court system tells them they're suppose to be,” said Dean.