By Lanell Downs Smith

Two law enforcement veterans with the Crenshaw County Sheriff’s Office assumed the role of Chief recently.

Former Chief Investigator, Chris Stewart, accepted the role of Chief Deputy effective Sept. 9 after former Chief Deputy Michael Strickland accepted a government contract overseas. Stewart is a 14-year law enforcement veteran who made Crenshaw County his home base after working with the Montgomery Police Department and other agencies, including a focus on law enforcement in the U.S. Air Force Reserves.

Sheriff Terry Mears said Stewarts knowledge and vast experience made him the obvious choice for the position.

“His experience and his great people skills made him the prime choice for the job,” Mears said. “He was my chief investigator and he has done a wonderful job. He has all the necessary skills to fulfill that role and that is the reason I chose him.”

As Chief Deputy, Mears said Stewart acts as an operations officer, with a small focus of his time on administrative duties. He is essentially Mears’ second in command.

“I feel incredibly privileged and fortunate to serve the citizens of Crenshaw County,” Stewart said. “It’s a privilege to work alongside such a vibrant community and contribute to its growth and well-being.”

The Sheriff also announced the promotion of Jordan Arrighi to Lieutenant and the department’s Chief Investigator. Arrighi came to the department as a deputy in 2015.

“He was actually here before I got here,” Mears said. “He’s paid his due and is an excellent choice for the position.”

Arrighi comes into the role with a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice and homeland security he earned at Troy University.

“I worked for the Sheriff after he won the election,” Arrighi said. “Prior to that, worked for [former Sheriff] Mickey Powell. I am heading up investigations and started right away, picking up a new case yesterday.”

As Chief Investigator, Arrighi is responsible for overseeing all felony cases, building case files, investigating and attending court. As of Tuesday, Sept. 17, he assumes responsibility for building cases in order to ensure justice for the people of Crenshaw County.

Prior to the promotion, Arrighi also worked part time with the Brantley police department. 

“I won’t be working with them now,” he said. “This [position] is a supervisor role and doesn’t allow time for part-time work.”

Arrighi previously worked as an investigator with the Headland Police Department. He came to Crenshaw County as a deputy, then transitioned into investigations during his time with the Sheriff’s Office.