Historic City News has been informed that Sheriff Charles W. Morris has been removed from office by executive order of the Governor today following the issuance of an arrest warrant by the US District Court for the Northern District of Florida on February 25th.
Morris is charged with theft or bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds, wire fraud, deprivation of right to honest services, engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity and conspiracy.
The Sheriff’s Office for Okaloosa County is located in Shalimar; Crestview is the county seat. Okaloosa county has a population of about 180,000 which makes it approximately the same population as St. Johns County.
Morris, who was born in Longview, TX in 1949, holds a number of academic and professional degrees and certifications including a Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice Management. Morris is a graduate of the 160th session of the FBI National Academy, National Sheriff’s Institute Executive Development Program, Florida Criminal Justice Executive Institute’s Chief Executive Seminar as well as the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar.
Sheriff Morris and his wife Barbara have four children and are of the Baptist faith.
Morris served in the US Air Force for 18 years and he achieved the military rank of Major.
Morris was first elected sheriff in Okaloosa County in 1996 and was re-elected in 2000, 2004 and again in 2008.
Crist appointed Edward M. Spooner of Quincy to fill the unexpired term of Sheriff Morris; or until further order of the Governor.
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