Kenton County Sheriff Race
Experience Matters.
Why Larry Shelton is overwhelmingly qualified to serve as Kenton County Sheriff.
The Position of Kenton County Sheriff
Constitutional Role
Elected every 4 years under Kentucky Constitution Section 99
- Chief law enforcement officer of Kenton County
- Serves court documents, warrants, EPOs, and evictions
- Issues CCDW permits and conducts vehicle inspections
- Collects taxes supporting schools and county services
Key Responsibilities
Serving legal processes and supporting judicial system
Oversight of operations, deputy leadership, and community partnerships
Budget management, personnel, and inter-agency collaboration
Larry Shelton
Retired Captain • Attorney • Lifelong Kenton County Resident
The Complete Law Enforcement Leader
Larry Shelton brings unmatched hands-on experience to the Kenton County Sheriff's Office. A retired Captain from the Kenton County Police Department, he has lived the realities of policing and understands exactly what deputies need to succeed.
Career Highlights
- Patrol Officer (1998) → Sergeant → Captain
- Hostage Negotiator & Defensive Tactics Instructor
- Citizens Police Academy Coordinator
- FLETC-certified in Elder Abuse Investigation
Education & Legal Expertise
- B.S. Assets Protection Management, EKU
- M.P.A., Northern Kentucky University
- Juris Doctor, Salmon P. Chase College of Law (2007)
- Practicing Attorney since 2007
"I believe that law enforcement experience matters. As a retired captain from the Kenton County Police and a licensed attorney, I bring a unique set of skills that qualify me to be your next sheriff."
Appointed Sheriff Jude Hehman
Strong Administrator • No Sworn Law Enforcement Experience
Jude Hehman served as Mayor of Fort Mitchell for over 11 years and 10 years on City Council. He founded and leads Furlong Building Enterprises. While he brings valuable management experience and has supported local public safety through city roles, he has never served as a sworn law enforcement officer.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Larry Shelton RECOMMENDED
- Law Enforcement Experience 20+ Years • Retired Captain
- Legal Background J.D. • Practicing Attorney
- Command & Training Experience Yes
- Understanding of Daily Deputy Challenges Lived It
Jude Hehman
- Law Enforcement Experience None
- Legal Background None
- Command & Training Experience Municipal Oversight Only
- Understanding of Daily Deputy Challenges Theoretical
Why Larry Shelton Is the Overwhelmingly Better Choice
Kenton County deserves a Sheriff who has worn the badge, led officers in the field, practiced law in the very courts the office serves, and understands the constitutional duties of the position from the ground up.
Legal Insight
As a licensed attorney, Shelton understands court processes, warrants, and civil service from both sides of the bench.
Deputy Support
Shelton has hired, trained, and led officers. He knows what it takes to recruit and retain quality deputies.
Proven Leadership
Decades of real-world crisis response, negotiation, and community engagement in Kenton County.
Vote for Experience on May 19, 2026
Republicans: Choose the candidate who has dedicated his career to protecting Kenton County families from the front lines.