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Gearman becomes third candidate for Lincoln County Sheriff
Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office Captain looks to replace Sheriff Dennis Johnson
Gearman becomes third candidate for Lincoln County Sheriff Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office Captain looks to replace Sheriff Dennis Johnson Check out this story on argusleader.com: http://www.argusleader.com/story/news/2018/02/14/gearman-becomes-third-candidate-lincoln-county-sheriff/337952002/
John Hult, jhult@argusleader.com Published 2:03 p.m. CT Feb. 14, 2018
Capt. Jason Gearman of the Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office.(Photo: submitted photo)
A third contender has emerged in the contested race for Lincoln County Sheriff.
Capt. Jason Gearman of the Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office announced his run Wednesday afternoon.
More: Former DCI agent guns for Lincoln County sheriff
He hopes to succeed Lincoln County Sheriff Dennis Johnson, who's retiring after more than two decades with the agency.
The Republican would join retired Division of Criminal Investigation Agent Jim Severson and South Dakota Highway Patrol Sgt. Steve Swenson on the primary ballot.
Gearman began his career with the Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office in 1993 at the jail and has since worked with the S.W.A.T. team, in the warrants division, civil process and with the Sioux Falls Area Fugitive Task Force.
He's currently the head of the county's investigations division. His announcement said he's deputized in Lincoln County as part of the task force and works on the Minnehaha and Lincoln County Board of Mental Illness.
More: Lincoln County Sheriff Dennis Johnson to retire after 20 years with department
The next sheriff in Lincoln County will preside over one of the state's fastest-growing populations, with a coverage area that includes the areas surrounding south Sioux Falls, Harrisburg, Tea, Lennox and Canton.
"Sheriff Johnson has maintained a strong organization, and I look forward to building upon the great work he and the Lincoln County deputies have done," Gearman said. "I look forward to working with the citizens of our county and the county commissioners as the growth continues."
Johnson said during an interview last month that managing growth has been a consistent challenge, and that his successor will likely face the question of whether the agency needs to build a jail of its own.
The primary election will take place in June. Johnson will stay on through the end of the year.
Longtime Lincoln county sheriff Dennis Johnson, who announced his retirement in January, talks about his career. Sam Caravana / Argus Leader Sam Caravana / Argus Leader
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