Pike County will see their fourth Sheriff in less than six years.
Independent Tracy Evans edged out interim Sheriff Jim Nelson Tuesday night.
Evans received 5,542 to Nelson’s 5,383.
The race was contentious after Evans ran as an independent against democratic Nelson.
Nelson was appointed in summer 2019 after then-Sheriff Charles S. Reader was indicted on criminal charges.
He has been Prosecutor Rob Junk’s investigator since February 2019. Evans accepted the job after Reader’s brother, Brian Reader, was let go from the position. Prior to his current job, Evans worked for nearly ten years at the Pike County Sheriff’s office. He was laid off by Reader in 2018, who cited budget cuts as the reason.
According to his LinkedIn page, Evans oversaw felony case management, murder and sexual assault investigations, internal investigations, and was the liaison for Ohio Department Homeland Security while working for the Sheriff.
He worked at the Waverly Police Department from 1999 to 2009, making his way up to detective before going to the Sheriff’s office.
Evans will take office January 4.
