PIKE COUNTY, Ohio — Incumbent Sheriff Tracy Evans will remain in office following Tuesday’s election, securing over 56% of the vote according to unofficial results. Evans defeated his opponent, Brock Clemmons, who received nearly 44% of the vote.
Evans’s re-election, however, has sparked controversy due to a social media post today from the Pike County Sheriff’s Office. The post, which some residents have criticized as inappropriate for an official law enforcement page, read: “Just food for thought, Pike County Sheriff Tracy D. Evans releases that Pike County’s crime has dramatically reduced under his administration!! Also, in the last 4 years, a total of 4 murders have been investigated in Pike County by his administration and the Southern Ohio Organized Major Crimes Task Force and solved with convictions. One of those murder investigations was solved within 32 hours.”
Some Pike County residents allege that this post constitutes electioneering, arguing that it may have influenced voters and breached state election regulations. Several residents have indicated they plan to file complaints with the Ohio Secretary of State’s office regarding the post.
Despite the ongoing controversy, Evans will continue his tenure as sheriff, with his supporters pointing to his administration’s record on crime reduction and solved murder investigations as key achievements. The Ohio Secretary of State’s office has yet to confirm whether an investigation into the complaints will be conducted.