WDBJ7 Roanoke News and Weather NRV Lynchburg Danville | Judge appoints Lane Perry Acting Sheriff

Judge appoints Lane Perry Acting Sheriff

Less than 24 hours after Frank Cassell resigned, Henry County has a new interim sheriff.

Tuesday afternoon, a circuit court judge appointed Captain Lane Perry as the new top officer.

Perry has served the department for 13-years in various positions.

The new sheriff said his first priority is serving the people, but he also acknowledged he must get the department back on its feet.

Timing of a special election will be discussed on Wednesday during a special meeting of the Henry County Board of Supervisors. That meeting will begin at 3:00 p.m.

Frank Cassell retired on Monday as sheriff.  After his indictment last month for allegedly covering up illegal activities in his department, the sheriff first indicated he would take an un-paid leave of absence.  Many people urged him to resign.

On Monday Cassell's attorneys issued a written statement saying Cassell informed Henry County officials of his retirement, effective immediately. The statement says he heard the requests that he "make a more formal and permanent separation" from the Sheriff's Department.