Washington County sheriff retiring; chief deputy files for office

WASHINGTON COUNTY, N.C. (WITN) - An Eastern Carolina sheriff says he is stepping down.

Washington County Sheriff Johnny Barnes announced today that he is retiring on January 1st.

Barnes has been sheriff for the past 11 years and has nearly 45 years of state and local law enforcement service.

“I am humbled and proud of the work that the deputies, detentions officers, 911 telecommunicators and animal control have done over the years on my behalf,” says the sheriff. “As with all things, there have been some bumps in the road but this agency has strived to move forward to the benefit of its citizens.”

Barnes is recommending that Chief Deputy Arlo Norman finish out his term as sheriff. Norman has already filed to run as sheriff in next year’s election.