Louisville leaders announce new Jefferson County sheriff, county clerk

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The new leaders of the Jefferson County Clerk's Office and the Sheriff's Office have been named.

Mayor Craig Greenberg announced Friday morning that State Senator David Yates will be the new county clerk, taking over the vacancy left behind by Bobbie Holsclaw, who passed away in September.

Yates announced his candidacy for the seat in June. He joined the state Senate in 2021 after serving as a Metro Council member.

"David is a proven leader from the South End who has served this community in various capacities for more than a decade," Greenberg said in a news release. "I know from personal experience that he’s focused on doing the right thing for this community every single day."

Deputy Mayor David James will take over as sheriff, replacing John Aubrey. Aubrey announced his retirement earlier this year, a few months before he passed away in September.

"David has been a leader in law enforcement his entire adult life, and I look forward to continue working with him as we implement our Safe Louisville plan to make our community even safer, stronger and healthier," Greenberg said in a written statement. "I know he’ll continue to be a great partner in this work."

James, a retired LMPD officer, said he has spent his career focused on protecting and serving the community. "It’s been an honor to work alongside Mayor Greenberg. I appreciate his faith in me as I prepare to serve as the first Black sheriff in Jefferson County’s history," James said in a written statement.

Pewee Valley Police Chief Steve Healey was announced as chief deputy of the sheriff's office. Healey was already running for Jefferson County Sheriff, and still plans to do so in November.

Greenberg said Yates will be sworn in on Wednesday, Oct. 8, and James will be sworn in on Friday, Oct. 10.

More Local News:

University of Kentucky launches new AI major to prepare students for changing job market

1 person injured after fuel tank fire in Floyds Knobs, Indiana

Indiana town remembers teen brutally murdered in 2001 as her killer faces execution

Man who killed Versailles boy in his bedroom in 2015 released early from Kentucky prison