New Dallas County sheriff, DA sworn into office

DALLAS - Dallas County’s new sheriff and district attorney were sworn into office on New Year’s morning.

Sheriff Marion Brown was appointed as the interim sheriff a year ago after former Sheriff Lupe Valdez resigned to run for governor. Through that time, she said she tried to make sure the department would always be guided by three core values – integrity, professionalism and accountability.

Sheriff Brown reiterated that pledge after being sworn in by Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Price.

Brown has 30 years of experience in law enforcement, most of it in the Duncanville Police Department. After taking the oath, she was asked about any changes she is considering for the sheriff’s department. She said community engagement would always be a top priority.

“I think that there are always things that can be changed, things that can be done better. But in particular, I think that what we’re going to do is just make sure that we left the community knows that we are here for them and that this is not just something that is here and separate and apart from the community. It’s indeed a part of the community and we want to make sure they know that,” she said.

Dallas County’s new district attorney also took an oath Tuesday. John Creuzot has served as a state district judge in Dallas County for more than 20 years. He’s been a prosecutor and a defense attorney.

District Attorney Creuzot easily defeated his Republican opponent in November. Faith Johnson was appointed by Gov. Greg Abbott after former DA Susan Hawk resigned for medical reasons.

Creuzot said he will be focused on criminal justice reform and wants to put an end to mass incarcerations in Dallas County by changing the way the county handles non-violent offenders.