Gloucester Sheriff E. Steve Gentry is resigning the county’s top law enforcement post effective Saturday. Gentry’s Chief Deputy, Darrell Warren, confirmed the resignation Thursday morning and said Gentry was leaving the job “to deal with personal issues and spend more time with his family.”

Warren said Gentry, who won election to his second term in office in November, informed his staff around 4 p.m. Wednesday that he was leaving the position. Warren said Gentry also informed Gloucester Circuit Court Judge R. Bruce Long and county administrator Brenda Garton.

Gentry could not be reached for comment Thursday morning.

E. Steve Gentry

Gentry served as a Virginia State Trooper for 30 years, retiring in 2005. He was first elected sheriff as an independent candidate in 2007, defeating longtime Republican incumbent Robin Stanaway. He was re-elected by a wide margin in a four-way race in November. Gentry and his wife, C. Ann Gentry, who retired in 2007 after 30 years as the Gloucester Circuit Court Clerk, have a son, daughter-in-law and grandson who reside in Henrico.

Warren, who is Gentry’s top ranking deputy, said he will likely take over the sheriff’s job on Saturday, allowing time for other officers to be sworn under him.

Gentry appointed Warren as his Chief Deputy in March of 2008. Warren has been with the Gloucester Sheriff’s Office since 1991 and progressed through the ranks of the law enforcement division. He holds a college degree in the administration of justice and has completed numerous training courses, including the F.B.I National Academy in Quantico and the Professional Executive Leadership School at the University of Richmond.

Gloucester County General Registrar Bobbi A. Morgan said the next local election for sheriff would likely be in November, but she was still awaiting confirmation from the State Board of Elections and the Gloucester Electoral Board. 

Gentry's letter to Gloucester County Citizens is as follows:

Dear Friends,

Effective at 12:00 a.m., on Saturday, Feb. 4, 2012, I am stepping down as Sheriff of Gloucester County. This action is necessary so that I may concentrate on personal issues and to spend more time with my family as we deal with this.

I have been very proud to have served this community and am very proud of all of the accomplishments of this Sheriff's Office. I leave, in the very capable hands of my Chief Deputy, Major Darrell Warren, a Sheriff's Office of wonderful men and women who are dedicated to you, Gloucester County and its safety and future.

Sincerely,

Steve Gentry

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