Captain John Murphy retires from the Scioto County Sheriff’s Office, effective today. Sheriff Marty V. Donini announced the retirement just before 9 am. Murphy spent his entire 27-year law enforcement career at the Scioto County Sheriff’s Office.
Narrow Loss
Sheriff Donini announced his own retirement last year. Shortly after, Murphy announced he was running for sheriff. He seemed like a sure bet to replace his boss. However, the primary election turned into a long-drawn-out process due to COVID-19 and yielded a surprising result. Shawnee State University Police Chief David Thoroughman won the election by nearly 300 votes
- Murphy: 3,693
- Thoroughman: 3,982
Thoroughman is unopposed on the November ballot.
Murphy was gracious in defeat. ” I would like to congratulate David Thoroughman on winning the Sheriff’s election. I pray that you commit yourself to this office and serve the great people of Scioto County that I have proudly dedicated my last 27 years in law enforcement to.”
He thanked his supporters and hinted that a career change might be on the horizon. “Most of all I want to praise GOD for this journey that he has put before me, I know with him that all things are possible. I am looking forward to my next chapter in life.”
Office Under Fire
The next sheriff has a lot of issues to deal with. The Scioto County Sheriff’s office is under intense scrutiny from the state these days. The State Auditor launched an investigation into the handling of vehicles that are no longer in service. Plus, the Bureau of Criminal Investigation is investigating the death of inmate Kevin Bailey at the Scioto County Jail.
Sheriff Donini said that there will be no public celebration because of COVID-19. “However, those who desire to wish him well on his retirement may do so by sending cards to him: John W. Murphy, c/o Scioto County Sheriff’s Office, 1025 Sixteenth Street, Portsmouth, Ohio 45662 or by contacting him directly on his Facebook account.”