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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowKerry Forestal has resigned as Marion County Sheriff after winning election to the Indiana Senate.
Forestal said Wednesday in a statement from the sheriff’s office that Indiana law prevents him from holding both offices simultaneously. His term as senator started the day after the election.
Chief Deputy Reginald Roney Sr. took over the role on an interim basis. County Democratic party chair Myla Eldridge now has 30 days to call a caucus of precinct committee members to select a temporary successor to serve until Forestal’s term ends Dec. 31.
Sheriff-elect Kelvis Williams will take over Jan. 1.
The sheriff’s office runs the county’s adult jail and handles warrant service, the county’s sex offender registry and security for courts and other government buildings
Forestal was elected sheriff in 2018 and reelected in 2022. He joined the sheriff’s department in 1977, according to the sheriff’s office website.
He also served as U.S. Marshal for the Southern District of Indiana from 2010 until 2015, when he returned to the sheriff’s office.
In Tuesday’s election, Forestal flipped Senate District 31 for the Democrats with a win against Republican Dr. Juanita Albright. The suburban Indianapolis district was previously held by Kyle Walker.
Forestal announced last December that he planned to run for that seat.
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