CLEVELAND — After only 15 months on the job, David Schilling Jr. is stepping down as Cuyahoga County Sheriff.
On Monday, the county announced that Schilling is retiring from his position as Cuyahoga County Sheriff effective December 31, 2020. He will be taking medical/family medical leave starting on November 2.
Schilling has served as County Sheriff since August 2019, when he was first appointed as Acting Sheriff to replace Cliff Pinkney, who submitted his resignation in May of 2019 for "personal reasons."
“Effective December 31, 2020 I will be retiring from my position as Cuyahoga County Sheriff. Before then I will be taking my sick leave and medical leave due to family health reasons. I would ask at this time for privacy,” said Schilling in a statement. “My time as Sheriff has been rewarding, and I appreciate the excellent team that is in place. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to serve the people of this great county as Sheriff. I have had a wonderful and remarkable career working with the people who comprise the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Department and Cuyahoga County Government.”
Schilling is a 26-year veteran of the County Sheriff’s Department. He has 15 years of supervisory experience serving in the rank of Deputy Sheriff and 20 years of experience conducting comprehensive investigations. He was first tapped to be Acting Sheriff after concerns arose about Lt. Bryan Smith's residency outside the county.
“I am grateful for Sheriff Schilling’s long-time and dedicated service to Cuyahoga County and our residents. Under his leadership, the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Department has been set on a strong path forward, and he has been instrumental in helping to improve conditions in the County Jail for both the inmates and jail staff,” said Cuyahoga County Executive Armond Budish. “I thank Sheriff Schilling for his leadership and his commitment to keeping our County safe, and I wish him and his family well.”
Last year, voters in Cuyahoga County approved a measure that gives Cuyahoga County Council the power to confirm the county executive's appointment to sheriff. The sheriff also was given redefined powers and duties, including the ability to appoint staff at the Cuyahoga County Jail. The sheriff cannot be removed without the approval of at least eight of the 11 members of county council.
Editor's Note: The below story aired in June of 2020
