Jackson County Sheriff Steven Rand was embroiled in scandal after secret recordings in 2017 captured him making racist remarks about Black people, using homophobic slurs, and insulting women and people with disabilities. In 2018, two of his officers filed lawsuits alleging Rand created a hostile work environment and engaged in egregious racism and bigotry. Rand acknowledged making the derogatory remarks when they became public but refused to resign. Jackson County officials asked the governor to remove him and even stripped him of some benefits, but Rand remained in office and did not seek re-election in 2020. In 2023, the county settled a federal lawsuit with Lt. Tommy Schuette – who had recorded Rand’s comments and claimed retaliation – for $1.65 million, while denying wrongdoing.
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