Lynn Statton has announced his candidacy for the office of Cleveland County Sheriff.

"I have been preparing to make this election run for over two years," Statton said. "I was looking forward in running against Sheriff Beggs in this election year, but Beggs stepped down from the race. I would now like to thank him for his service to the community and wish him well in the private sector."

Statton was born in Newcastle. He graduated from Newcastle High School in 1979. He was employed by the Edmond Fire Department as a fireman/rescue diver.

He worked in law forcement for eight years, working his way up to police detective and deputy sheriff investigator. He currently works in the private sector as an asset protection director.

"I have been a Cleveland County resident for several years," Statton said in a prepared release. "I have watched this county go through changes and I feel at this time I would like to put a plan of action together to restructure and change the Cleveland County Sheriff's Department.

"I want a community service type of policing, a department that the citizens can trust and not be afraid to come to the courthouse to visit with me or any of my staff."

-- Transcript Staff