Oklahoma Senator Darrell Weaver has been appointed as the new Cleveland County sheriff.
Weaver replaces former Sheriff Chris Amason, who resigned after pleading no contest to a felony embezzlement charge.
The Moore Republican has represented Senate District 24 since 2018 and most recently served as chairman of the Senate Public Safety Committee. Earlier this year, Weaver ran for the Republican nomination for lieutenant governor but did not advance to the runoff election.
Senate President Pro Tempore Lonnie Paxton praised Weaver’s appointment, citing his long career in law enforcement and public service.
“There is no one more qualified to be named as Cleveland County Sheriff than him,” Paxton said. “Throughout his legislative service, he remained focused on protecting Oklahomans, supporting law enforcement and advancing commonsense public safety policies.”
Senator Paul Rosino, whose district includes Cleveland County, said Weaver’s experience makes him well suited for the position.
“His work in the Senate was driven by a genuine desire to protect victims, prevent crime and make Oklahoma communities safer,” Rosino said.
Before serving in the Legislature, Weaver spent 28 years with the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control. He was appointed director of the agency in 2006 and retired in 2014. He was later inducted into the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Hall of Fame.
In addition to his law enforcement career, Weaver served as chief executive officer of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oklahoma from 2015 to 2018.
Weaver holds degrees from Cameron University and Oklahoma Christian University. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy and the Senior Management Institute for Police.
