Newly elected Delaware County sheriff sworn in

Sheriff Rick Littlefield — who took over the tumultuous sheriff's department as interim sheriff Nov. 22 after a sexual-abuse scandal that resulted in a $13.5 million civil rights judgment against the county — submitted his resignation during the weekly meeting of the county commissioners.

His wife, Special Judge Alicia Littlefield, swore in newly elected Sheriff Harlan Moore, but not before giving her husband a kiss.

Moore was elected to the sheriff's post in the Aug. 28 runoff primary election. He didn't draw an opponent for the November general election.

“As a county we owe you a lot,” Moore said to the outgoing sheriff. “I will try and make you proud.”

Rick Littlefield received applause and two standing ovations during the meeting. Many law enforcement officers were in attendance.

County Commissioner Doug Smith presented Littlefield a plaque that expressed the commissioners' appreciation and read, in part, “Your appointment came at a time when your management and governmental skills were put to the test and were so desperately needed.”