Johnson named interim sheriff after Arnott confirmed as U.S. Marshal

A new interim Greene County Sheriff has been named following the departure of Jim Arnott earlier this summer. The acting sheriff Jason Johnson plans to run for the position come election season; he will likely do so without competition.
 
Arnott was nominated to serve as a U.S. Marshal for the Western District of Missouri and was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on Aug. 7.
 
Arnott brought with him 37 years of experience in the Greene County Sheriff’s Office, 18 of those years as the elected sheriff over the county.
 
“I am honored to have had this opportunity to work with so many people throughout this portion of my career. I want to thank the Commission, County Offices, the Sheriff’s Office, and our community, for an incredible time serving as your Sheriff,” said Arnott. “I am excited for this next chapter and for the future of Greene County and its Sheriff’s Office.”
 
Arnott was elected in 2008 after working in many capacities for the Greene County Sheriff’s Office. He was re-elected in 2012, 2016, 2020 and 2024.
 
"Sheriff Arnott has given this county nearly four decades of service, and Greene County is safer for it," said a statement from the Greene County Commission. "We congratulate him on this appointment and thank him for the professionalism he brought to this transition. From the beginning, our commitment was to follow Missouri statute exactly as it is written, to be fully transparent with our citizens, and to ensure there was no gap in law enforcement leadership for a single day. That is what happened today. Captain Johnson steps into this role with the full support of the Commission, and the people of Greene County will have the final say at the ballot box in November."
 
Johnson ready for job
Johnson has been a member of the sheriff’s office for 27 years. He recently took up the role of captain in the agency. He was the only candidate to apply for the interim position during the window. He was appointed to serve as the interim sheriff until the end of 2026.
 
According to reports, Arnott’s senate confirmation came between the August primary election and the final certification date for the November election. Because of this, each political party was asked to choose a candidate. Only Johnson filed and was nominated for the position of Greene County Sheriff for the election; he will most likely run unopposed on the November ballot.
 
Arnott’s term lasts through the end of 2028; the elected sheriff after the November election will serve until the end of this term.
 
“I am honored to have been appointed Interim Sheriff of Greene County," said Johnson. "My immediate priority is ensuring a smooth transition. I look forward to working as sheriff, with the outstanding men and women of the Greene County Sheriff's Office."