Darnell defeats Scott for new term as sheriff

Incumbent Sadie Darnell defeated challenger Lonnie Scott Tuesday in their race for Alachua County sheriff and won a new four-year term.

“I feel pretty comfortable with a win,” Darnell said as supporters gathered at the Hippodrome State Theatre.

Darnell, a Democrat, had 60 percent of the vote with all 69 precincts reporting as well as absentee and early voting results late Tuesday, according to the Alachua County Supervisor of Elections Office. Darnell had 19,926 votes while Scott, also a Democrat received 13,087 votes.

Darnell said she would be taking some time off after the election but would be working next on “continuing with the positive momentum” at the Sheriff’s Office, including expanding community-oriented policing. Her primary focus in the near future would be getting a commitment for funding to bring employees’ salaries up to market, she said.

Scott, a Gainesville Police captain, was with family and supporters at Napolatano’s restaurant. His son and campaign manager, Lonnie Scott Jr., said his father was “waiting out” the final results. He also questioned a delay in reported election results that occurred during the evening.

“He’s still going to be the model citizen that he is,” regardless of the election’s outcome, Lonnie Scott Jr. said.

Darnell was elected sheriff in 2006 after former Sheriff Steve Oelrich left office for the Florida state Senate.

During the race, Darnell stood on her record as sheriff over the past 20 months, focusing on achievements such as a reduction in the jail’s population, a move toward community-oriented policing and better cooperation among the Sheriff’s Office and other law enforcement agencies.

Scott noted problems at the agency with morale and relationships with other municipalities in the county.

Darnell’s term in office had been marked by controversies including the resignation or termination of some key employees at the agency. Among those who left the Sheriff’s Office were former Capt. James Troiano, now the High Springs police chief; and former jail director Maj. Robert Chapman.

Many expressed outrage when a K-9 deputy at the Sheriff’s Office shot his retired police dog that had health problems earlier this year. No action was taken against the deputy. A policy was adopted afterward requiring that a retired police dog kept as a pet by a former handler be euthanized with drugs.

Darnell said she enjoyed getting out and meeting with residents as the campaign got under way. But, she said, “It was not pleasant to be the brunt of some personal attacks.”

Now, she said, she’ll focus on the office’s future.