Sheriff Primary Set for March 17 Vote

Sangamon County’s race for sheriff saw a change this week after Democratic candidate Marc Bell announced he would withdraw from the contest. While Bell has said he is no longer seeking the office, he must still file official paperwork with the Sangamon County Clerk’s Office to formally withdraw. Additionally, the Sangamon County Democratic Party retains the ability to slate a replacement candidate following the primary election.

At this time, the only candidates actively campaigning are both in the Republican primary; Paula Crouch and David Timm.

Crouch currently serves as Sangamon County Sheriff after being appointed to fill a vacancy in the office. Her campaign has emphasized experience, continuity, and stability within the Sheriff’s Office, along with a focus on accountability and public safety. Since assuming the role, Crouch has highlighted her leadership of the department and her familiarity with its operations, staff, and responsibilities.

She enters the primary with broad support from within the Republican Party and across county government. Crouch has been endorsed by the Sangamon County Republican Party, along with former Sangamon County sheriffs Neil Williamson and Jack Campbell and Sangamon County State’s Attorney John Milhiser. Additional endorsements include former Springfield Mayor Karen Hasara, Sangamon County Auditor Andy Goleman, Treasurer Joe Aiello, Coroner Jim Allmon, Circuit Clerk Joe Roesch, and State Representative Mike Coffey. Supporters have cited those endorsements as an indication of confidence in her leadership and her commitment to keeping families safe throughout Sangamon County.

Timm, a former deputy with the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office, is running in the primary against Crouch. His campaign focuses on his law enforcement background and his experience within the department, presenting himself as an option for voters seeking a change in leadership. Timm has emphasized his familiarity with frontline law enforcement duties. He is also endorsed by police union leaders, including union president Travis Koester.

According to disciplinary timelines and official documentation from the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office, Timm was the subject of a series of complaints and reprimands during his employment. Records indicate complaints ranging from misuse of department equipment to more series conduct violations, including a suspension for multiple policy violations in 2006. Additional complaints documented in department files included allegations related to conduct during traffic stops and interactions with other officers.

In June 2008, Timm was terminated from the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office. In a termination letter issued by then-Sheriff Neil Williamson, the investigation concluded that Timm had violated multiple sections of the Sheriff’s Office Rules and Regulations, including standards related to authority, performance of duty, personnel conduct, and public relations. In the letter, Williamson described Timm’s conduct as “appalling” and a “discredit and embarrassment to this office and law enforcement in general,” and recommended his termination as a merit deputy. Following arbitration, Timm was awarded his job back, but without back pay or benefits.

Timm Termination Letter.

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Court records also show that prior to his law enforcement career, Timm entered a guilty plea related to a burglary and trespass to a motor vehicle case. As part of the disposition, he was placed on probation and prohibited from possessing a firearm during that period, according to court documentation.

The Republican nominee will be determined in the March 17 primary election. Early voting is already underway at the Sangamon County Election Office, giving voters multiple opportunities to cast their ballots ahead of Election Day.