Eutaw, AL – Retired state trooper Jonathan Benison has been sworn in as sheriff in Greene County.
Benison replaces George Cook. Cook was appointed sheriff last summer by Gov. Bob Riley following the death of Sheriff Isom Thomas. Greene County Commissioners filed an unsuccessful court challenge to Cook, claiming he didn't live in the county.
Benison was elected sheriff earlier this year and was to officially take office Jan. 18, but he was sworn-in as sheriff when Cook resigned last week.
Cook says he resigned to take another job, but did not give details.
The new sheriff says he favors reopening the GreeneTrack electronic bingo casino in Eutaw. The casino was closed by Riley's task force on illegal gambling.
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