The Sept. 6 hearing lasted about 25 minutes. At the conclusion, Judge Fresard ruled that the election commission had done it's diligence with their prior ruling.
As Wayne County Sheriff Raphael “Ray” Washington seeks a full-term as the county’s top cop, he is sidestepping new questions over allegations of harassment made throughout his law enforcement career.
Raphael Washington becomes new Wayne County sheriff
Region mourns death of Sheriff Benny Napoleon
Washington
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DETROIT Wayne County and many across Michigan are mourning the death of Sheriff Benny Napoleon, while also welcoming his successor, Raphael Washington, who was previously serving under Napoleon as the deputy chief of jail and courts.
At least 14 applicants were considered to follow Napoleon as sheriff, and on Jan. 15, Washington was selected. A 37-year law enforcement veteran, Washington has served with both the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office and the Detroit Police Department.
“I am excited to be named to this position,” said Washington. “It comes with mixed emotions. A dear friend of mine, my boss and my leader, has died. I’m excited, though, and I’m ready to go, and I think I have a lot to bring to the position and serving the public in this way.”
New Wayne County sheriff: Appointment is bittersweet
Detroit Raphael Washington says he has mixed feelings about being named to succeed his longtime friend and colleague as one of the top law enforcement officials in Michigan.
State law required a three-member panel of Wayne County chief probate Judge Freddie Burton, Clerk Cathy Garrett and Prosecutor Kym Worthy to appoint a new sheriff within 15 days of the start of what would have been Napoleon s new term on Jan. 1.
The panel voted 2-1 Friday to pick Washington, after two days of interviewing 14 candidates for the job that pays a salary of $128,768 to oversee an office with 1,063 deputies, jail staff and civilian personnel. Garrett and Worthy voted for Washington, while Burton did not, although he declined to say who he d supported.
Wayne County deputy chief appointed as sheriff, replacing beloved late Benny Napoleon
Late sheriff died due to complications with COVID-19 after being reelected in 2020
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DETROIT – Wayne County Deputy Chief Raphael Washington has been appointed as the county’s new sheriff, replacing the beloved late Sheriff Benny Napoleon.
On Friday, Washington was selected by a three-person panel consisting of Chief Judge Freddie Burton, County Clerk Cathy Garrett and Prosecutor Kym Worthy.
Washington’s appointment will last through to the 2022 special primary and general elections. According to county officials, Washington must file to run in those elections.
The sheriff position became vacant after Napoleon died on Dec. 17 due to complications with COVID-19. Napoleon was reelected in 2020, with his new term slated to begin on Jan. 1.