Linn County Sheriff Kevin Friend has resigned. In a letter to Governor Kelly, which is required by state law, he says he thanks the citizens and supporters of the office for unwavering support over the past four years and eleven months and he has enjoyed his time as sheriff. He states that his last day on the job will be September 22nd. He states that he has accepted another position, but did not elaborates on what that position was.
Linn County Clerk, David Lamb, says a replacement for Friend would occur with notice first going to the Linn County Republican Central Committee who will nominate a replacement. Lamb says that in the interim, Undersheriff Bobby Johnson will take over day-to-day duties.
Johnson will call a convention of countywide precinct people to convene; those people will appoint a person to hold the office of Sheriff during Friend’s remaining days until newly elected James Akes takes office in January. The recommendation by the precinct officers will go to Governor Kelly for approval before that person assumes the position of Interim Sheriff.
