OXFORD COUNTY (NEWS CENTER Maine) -- Former Mexico Police Chief Jim Theriault confirmed Tuesday that he will be sworn in as the new sheriff of Oxford County on Friday after former Sheriff Wayne Gallant resigned in early December 2017 amid a scandal involving soliciting sex from his employees.
Theriault said he is looking forward to his new position.
"I hope I can get sworn in sometime on Friday but I am waiting for papers from the Sec. of State's office that I need to have to get sworn in," Theriault wrote in a Facebook message to NEWS CENTER Maine.
He added that he is proud of his career, and said, "I am very happy as is my wife and family that I was chosen!"
Theriault has 42 years of law enforcement under his belt, most recently retiring as Mexico Police Chief in 2014 after 20 years. He started his career in Rumford, and has also worked for Oxford County Sheriff Alton Howe. Theriault has also worked for the Rumford Fire Department as a full-time firefighter.
Oxford County Sheriff Wayne Gallant resigned in December amid sexual harassment claims, a scandal that called for his removal and resignation from union reps.
"I just want to say that Sheriff Gallant did tons of good for the people in Oxford County and it is a shame that this is what he will be remembered for," Theriault said.
Governor LePage tweeted the announcement Wednesday.
Interim Sheriff Hart Daley took over acting duties after Gallant's resignation. He was the Chief Deputy before that.
Hart Daley, Theriault, and Lieutenant Ward from Oxford PD submitted their names to the Oxford Democratic committee as potential candidates.
Governor LePage had to pick a democrat to fill the interim role because Sheriff Wayne Gallant, who resigned, is a democrat.
This story will be updated.
