Anderson named as new Jefferson County sheriff

Current acting Sheriff Steve Anderson will serve the remainder of the former sheriff’s elected term.

Anderson’s predecessor, Blair Olsen, was found guilty on three felony charges of misusing public money two weeks ago. As a result, Olsen forfeited the office.

The county Republican Party submitted Anderson’s name to the County Commission, and the commissioners chose Anderson on Wednesday night. Other names selected by the GOP were Lavar Summers, the county coroner, and former Rigby Mayor Ryan Brown.

Anderson said he is grateful for the opportunity and plans to have open communication and transparency.

“Feel free to come in, give us your ideas,” he said. “Tell us what you we are doing right, what we are could do better. That’s what I would tell (the public). Trust us to do our job, and make us, as we already are, a part of your community, our community.”

Anderson will serve as the sheriff for the next 16 months. He said he plans to run for the office in the next general election.