Sesker sworn in as county sheriff, first person of color in that post
Vows to run the office ‘a little differently’ than predecessor
Former Prince George’s Police Maj. Everett Sesker took the oath of office Tuesday evening in Anne Arundel Circuit Court, becoming the county’s first Black sheriff.
Sesker, a Democrat who beat former Anne Arundel Sheriff Jim Fredericks in last month’s midterm election, said during his swearing-in ceremony that he plans to run the office “a little differently” than his predecessor. He campaigned on a platform of compassionate law enforcement, hoping to connect offenders with community resources such as addiction counseling and mental health support.
“I ran because I saw a need for us to do better,” he said in the circuit court’s largest courtroom, thanking family members and fellow elected officials for assisting his campaign.
Sesker will earn $133,000 a year. The sheriff is one of the oldest county government positions, first established in Anne Arundel County in the mid-17th century. While the Anne Arundel County Police Department, which is led by an appointed police chief, is responsible for most criminal investigations and police work in the county, the sheriff ’s office
provides security in the county circuit court and is responsible for serving warrants and legal paperwork.
During his time with the Prince George’s Police Department, where he served in several positions over 22 years, Sesker said he started to realize that law enforcement wasn’t just about making arrests, it was also about deterring people from committing crimes.
“I didn’t get excitement from locking people up,” he said. “I got excitement from those I didn’t have to lock up. If I was able to talk to them, or change their attitude, or change their mindset, that’s what I enjoyed.”
Sesker, 55, is the 121st Anne Arundel County sheriff. Former Sheriff Ron Bateman attended the ceremony Tuesday evening, as did Robert Norwood Lamb, a direct descendant of the first Anne Arundel
sheriff, James Norwood, who was appointed to the post in 1658.
The 120 men who preceded Sesker as sheriff have all been white.
While delivering remarks, Sesker gave credit to Black members of law enforcement who inspired him, including his former boss, former Prince George’s Police Chief Melvin High, and former Annapolis Police Sgt. Charles Hicks, who helped a young Sesker begin his career in law enforcement.
“I’m the first sheriff of color, I’m the first Black sheriff, but I got to this position because of other people who came before me,” Sesker said.
Sesker’s chief deputy, James Williams, was also sworn in Monday.
Sesker’s swearing-in was preceded by a another historic ceremony for the new register of wills, Erica Griswold, who is the first person of color to lead that office.