Marion County sheriff: Sheriff-elect's transition put on hold

FDLE requests delay of Chris Blair's transition into office

OCALA, Fla. – Republican Chris Blair was elected as the new Marion County sheriff on Tuesday night, but current Sheriff Ed Dean said on Wednesday Blair's transition into office must be put on hold.

According to Dean, Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Gerald Bailey requested a 30-day delay because of a pending FDLE investigation into a complaint of alleged election law violations involving Blair.

"I congratulate Chris Blair on his election," Dean said in a news release. "I understand the need for an orderly transition of the office and I was prepared to begin this process ... Commissioner Bailey has promised that FDLE will conduct an expedited investigation."

The FDLE would not say who filed the complaint, but Blair's opponent, Bernie DeCastro, told Local 6 News that he's not involved in the complaint.

Blair beat DeCastro 73 percent to 27 percent.

Former sheriff's candidate Dan Kuhn dropped out of the 2012 race and resigned from his post at MCSO in October after allegations of an extramarital affair and violations of internal department policies surfaced.

At least three MCSO employees have been suspended as a result of the previous FDLE investigation.

Kuhn had beat out Blair in the primary races.

Check back for more information.


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