Greene County's long-time Sheriff Jim Arnott has been confirmed by the U.S. Senate to serve as a U.S. Marshal after a nomination by President Donald Trump.
The Senate voted on a group of nominations 51-47 on Friday, Aug. 7, which included confirmation of Arnott for the role of United States Marshal for the Western District of Missouri. The confirmation vote came after the Senate Committee on the Judiciary supported the nomination in a 12-10 vote on Thursday, May 14. Both votes fell along party lines. Now, the appointment will have to be signed by the president and approved by the Department of Justice before Arnott assumes his new role.
Arnott has served as Greene County Sheriff since 2008. As a U.S. Marshal, he will be tasked with enforcing federal
laws, providing security for federal court facilities and the safety of judges, apprehending criminals, executing federal court orders and exercising custody of federal prisoners and providing for their transportation to correctional facilities.
With the Senate confirmation process complete, Greene County will have a new sheriff for the first time in 18 years. To prepare for Arnott's departure, Greene County Commission gathered applications for interim sheriff. Only one person applied — long-time Greene County Sheriff's Office leader Cap. Jason Johnson.
Johnson has served as the GCSO administrative captain since late 2024, though has been with the department in different capacities since 1998.
Now that Arnott's confirmation is final, his resignation from the Greene County post will be officially accepted by the commission and commissioners will appoint the interim role. According to a GCSO news release, the effective date of Arnott's resignation will be determined by the remainder of the confirmation process.
While Johnson will serve in the interim role, Greene County voters will be able to select their sheriff in a special election. Since the confirmation occurred prior to the Aug. 25 final certification date for the Nov. 3 ballot, the race will be voted on during the general election, Robert Jehle, Greene County Commission's public information officer, confirmed. Each political party's county central committee will convene to select its nominee for the race.
Johnson was ready to run for elected office as a Republican when he applied for the interim role. He has already created a campaign committee with the Missouri Ethics Commission and by mid-July had already more than $100,000, including roughly $10,000 from the Greene County Sheriff PAC.
The person elected sheriff will serve the remainder of Arnott's term through the end of 2028.
Marta Mieze covers local government at the News-Leader. Have feedback, tips or story ideas? Contact her at mmieze@news-leader.com.
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Arnott confirmed by Senate for US Marshal post
