Raphael Washington named Wayne County sheriff
Raphael Washington was selected to replace longtime Sheriff Benny Napoleon, who died last month from COVID-19.
Napoleon died Dec. 17 after being hospitalized for three weeks with the highly contagious and deadly novel coronavirus. Napoleon was overwhelmingly reelected in November, with 98% of the vote, for a term that was to begin Jan. 1.
Washington planned to hold a news conference Friday, Wayne County Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Pageant Atterberry said.
Michigan election law mandates that a vacancy for sheriff must be filled within 15 days after the beginning of the term for which he or she was elected. Michigan law empowers the county clerk, prosecutor and chief probate judge to appoint a successor.