Deputy Demoted After Filing to Run For Sheriff

GREAT FALLS, Mont. (AP) — A northeastern Montana sheriff has demoted his deputy less than a month after the deputy became a candidate for sheriff.

Former Roosevelt County Undersheriff Jason Frederick said he filed for office on Jan. 9 and on Feb. 6 was notified a new undersheriff had been appointed.

Sheriff Freedom Crawford told the Great Falls Tribune (http://gftrib.com/MI8k4X ) that Frederick's decision to run for sheriff had the potential to "muddle the chain of command of my administration" and that he wanted a clear and concise command structure.

Crawford said Deputy John Summers was selected to replace Frederick as undersheriff.

Frederick said Crawford's letter gave no reason for his demotion, other than to note a state law that says undersheriffs serve at the pleasure of the sheriff. Frederick says he still plans to run for sheriff.