Wiles Announces His Intent To Run For Sheriff

EL PASO — Former chief of police Richard Wiles announced Sunday he will join the list of candidates running for sheriff of El Paso County. Wiles stepped down on Wednesday as the top officer in the El Paso Police Department after having served in that position for four years.

One of the top priorities as sheriff would be to look into consolidating all the local law enforcement agencies in the county under one metropolitan force, Wiles said.

His announcement comes just two days after the death of El Paso sheriff Leo Samaniego. Wiles said he hoped his announcement to run would not appear to be insensitive to anyone who may have supported the long-serving law officer.

“I offer my sincerest condolonces to the family, but unfortunately because of the timing that we have, I had no choice but to continue with thisnews conference today because I have to file by January 2,” Wiles said.

Wiles’ candidacy for sheriff now brings the total number of those seeking the job to 10.