Raphael Washington Named New Wayne County Sheriff

DETROIT, MI — Wayne County Deputy Chief of Jail and Courts Raphael Washington was named the new sheriff of Wayne County Friday.

Washington replaces Benny Napoleon, who died Dec. 17 after a long battle with the coronavirus. Washington assumes the sheriff position immediately, taking over the term that began Jan. 1 but was vacated upon Napoleon's death. He would need to run for reelection in 2022.

Washington's appointment comes following 14 candidates were interviewed by a panel that included Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy, Chief Judge Freddie Burton and County Clerk Cathy Garrett over the past two days. While Worthy and Garrett voted to confirm Washington for the position, Burton abstained, according to The Detroit Free Press.

Other candidates interviewed for the sheriff position included Wayne County Commander Lynnette Cain, State Rep. Tyrone Carter, Charles Corley II, Chief Robert Dunlap, former Wayne County Executive Lt. Walter L. Epps, Kevin H. Williams, Jason Nesler, T.P. Nykoriak, Elton Oliver, Wayne County Undersheriff Daniel Pfannes, Inkster Police Chief William T. Riley II, Warren Evans Chief of Staff Assad Turfe and Calandra Tyson.

According to Michigan election law, the vacancy needed to be filled within 15 days of the beginning of the term vacated by Napoleon. That term began Jan. 1. That same law allows the county's respective clerk, prosecutor and chief probate judge to appoint the successor.

Washington carries some baggage into his new position, having been the subject of a 2017 lawsuit filed by female deputies regarding sexually explicit language, and demands of neck massages, while also abusive behavior of a female deputy, according to The Detroit Free Press.

This article originally appeared on the Detroit Patch