For more than 35 years, former Sheriff Landon Smith was synonymous with law enforcement in Noble County, area residents say.
"We used to call it 'Landon's Law,' because he just sort of had his own way of doing things," said Harry Slevin, 53, of Sarahsville. "I'll put it this way: If something needed done, he'd find a way."
But after all those years there's a new sheriff in town. Former Noble County Chief Detective Stephen Hannum was appointed as interim sheriff May 15 after Smith resigned amid allegations of ethics violations in office.
Smith is expected to plead guilty June 5 to a bill of information that alleges he illegally employed relatives and used county vehicles to transport jail inmates to his home to perform garden and lawn work. He faces up to two years in prison on the conviction. He is still eligible to collect a pension from the state, but, once convicted, will lose his peace officer certification.
Hannum said he was disappointed to see Smith leave office.
"I really don't have any big plans for the office," Hannum said this week. "I just want to try to be as successful as Landon was at solving crimes and winning convictions here in Noble County. I don't think anyone will ever match his arrests and convictions in his 35 years of service, but we'll get our share of arrests."
Hannum said Smith is something of a legend in Noble County. The former sheriff earned heavy victories in contested races for re-election, one when he was under indictment for theft in office. A jury later cleared him of that charge.
"Landon is 100 percent Noble County," Hannum said. "He's one of the most intelligent people I've ever met. He knows everyone up here and he's just so charismatic.
"He can have you laughing anytime he chooses. It's even hard to find someone he's arrested who doesn't like him. And even those who don't like him still respect him," he said.
Hannum said he plans to run to complete Smith's unexpired term. He said the county's Democratic Central Committee will nominate a candidate.
"Naturally, I hope to be appointed, and if so, I'll go ahead and run," Hannum said. "I was born and raised in Belle Valley and actually took over as marshal of Belle Valley, a position Landon held until he was first elected sheriff."
Lori Merchant, 52, of Ava, said she moved to Noble County eight years ago from a suburb of Cleveland. It was something of a culture shock, she said.
"I was used to police stations and cruisers every few blocks," she said. "Down here, if I ever had a problem, I actually talked to the sheriff. And it was nothing short of a good ol' boy's club.... And I don't mean that in a derogatory way."
Merchant said when she had trouble with a few neighbors, she talked to Smith, who in turn gave someone "a good talking to."
Problem solved, she said.
"The few times I needed the sheriff's office, I was really pleased with the service," she said. "And as far as Stephen Hannum goes, I've had good experiences with him, too."
Smith could not be reached for comment.
