Illinois Governor JB Pritzker criticized Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell for hiring the deputy who fatally shot Sonya Massey, questioning how the sheriff could hire someone without checking their background. The deputy, Sean P. Grayson, faces first-degree murder charges and had previous DUI convictions and low scores on a cognitive assessment. Campbell defended his decision to hire Grayson and is facing an advisory referendum to stay in office.
Campbell, who has been sheriff since 2018, admitted the department failed the community and Sonya’s family and friends. Some county board members are pushing for the referendum, believing it is the best way to determine the will of the voters. Pritzker emphasized the need for transparency in the hiring process, while others like U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski are still gathering information before calling for Campbell’s resignation.
The county board, which has a Republican majority, will need to pass the referendum at its upcoming meeting for it to appear on the November ballot. Campbell has stated he will not abandon his position during this challenging time and believes he can lead the community through it. The outcome of the referendum, if it does make it on the ballot, will ultimately determine Campbell’s future as sheriff.
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