Opinion No. (1997)

Stephen P. Sokoloff Dunklin County Prosecuting Attorney P. O. Box 864 Kennett, Missouri 63857

Dear Mr. Sokoloff:

This opinion is in response to your questions asking:

1. May a Sheriff of a third class county taking office by virtue of appointment to complete the term of office vacated by death of previous officeholder continue the employment of his son, who was appointment as deputy of the previous Sheriff?

2. May the new Sheriff, at the commencement of his own term, following the completion of the appointive term, continue the employment of his son as deputy?

You provide the following facts as…