Shelby Co. Sheriff Resigned 44 Days After Being Appointed To Office –

Shelby County, IL. (ECWd) –

Shelby County Sheriff Sean McQueen submitted his resignation letter today, 44 days after being appointed to the vacancy and sworn into office.

A copy of the letter is HERE. and his resignation if effective on November 5, 2021.

He cites a “life changing” job opportunity as his reason for resigning.

He intends to designate Undersheriff McReynolds as Interim Sheriff.

From the resignation letter:

“After over 31 years in law enforcement, it is with deep regret that I announce my retirement from full time law enforcement and resign my office as Sheriff of Shelby County, effective 11-5-2021. My intention is to designate Undersheriff McReynolds as Interim Sheriff.

Although I was not actively looking for a job, as I had plans to finish out what I had started, we all know life doesn’t always go as we plan. I have been offered an opportunity that I simply can not turn down, as it will be life changing. Though the decision to leave is an extremely difficult one, I have to do what is best for my family. I pray everyone can understand this.

I want everyone to know, this was not exactly how I saw my immediate future to turn out, after we all had worked so hard to secure my appointment as Sheriff. The employees of the sheriff’s office, county board members, other county department heads, many citizens across Shelby County and beyond worked so hard to get me where I am today. I am so appreciative of everyone’s support, which in turn is why this makes this decision even more difficult.

I have worked extremely hard to do what is best for the sheriff’s office, even after I was appointed Undersheriff and during my tenure as Sheriff. Albeit there is still a lot to do, I am confident that my successor will finish the projects I have started, and continue to further the solid mission statement of the sheriff’s office that we currently operate under today. 

It has been an honor and an absolute privilege to be able to work alongside some of the finest law enforcement officers and support personnel around. It has been a pleasure to serve the citizens of Shelby County. Thank you to each and every one of you that has encouraged and supported me as the Undersheriff and Sheriff. God bless you all.”