Mercer County Sheriff Grey to retire in 2025

CELINA - Mercer County Sheriff Jeff Grey on Monday announced his intent to retire at the end of his sixth term in 2025 after more than 20 years of service.

Grey said he made the announcement now as 2023 is preparation year for the 2024 election cycle, according to a news release. The primary election is in March 2024, and Grey's term ends on Jan. 5, 2025.

Grey said he's contemplated retirement since his wife, Kay, retired two years ago. He began his law enforcement career in 1980 and was first elected sheriff in 2000, beginning his tenure on Jan. 1, 2001, according to the release.

There have been numerous sources of pride for Grey over the course of his career. Just over a year ago, a Marion, Indiana woman was sentenced to life in prison for the homicide of 21-year-old Ryan R. Zimmerman of Columbus, whose remains were found on Jan. 3, 2016, east of U.S. 127 at the mouth of Coldwater Creek.

Grey said he's also proud of the "new" sheriff's office and jail, which was built 15 years ago after voters passed a jail sales tax levy. Voters in November approved the levy again to fund the operation and maintenance of the building, as well as personnel.

"For a sheriff's office of our size, we have better equipment and a better building than any other sheriff's office our size in the state," Grey said. "A lot of that goes to the community for paying for it" and county commissioners for getting the levy on the ballot.

Grey said a current member of his office is prepared to become the next sheriff, should voters choose him in the March 2024 primary election.

"I feel good about retirement," he said. "I'm leaving the place in good hands."

Grey said he looks forward to spending more time with family, traveling with his wife and spoiling his six grandchildren.

"I have two years to go," he concluded in the release. "I plan to finish strong and continue to work hard for the final two years of this chapter of my life."