New St. Lucie County sheriff wants ‘transparency,’ welcomes inspector general guidance

FORT PIERCE, Fla. – In a letter to Gov. Ron DeSantis, newly-appointed St. Lucie County Sheriff Keith Pearson said he welcomed any guidance from the Florida Inspector General as the sheriff seeks greater “transparency” within the department.

DeSantis appointed Pearson Monday after former Sheriff Ken Mascara abruptly announced his retirement due to health issues, according to reports. Pearson has recently called for more transparency.

In a letter to the governor following Pearson’s appointment, he told DeSantis that as the sheriff’s office moves forward, he has put the “revitalization and reorganization” of the department into place to better support the community with “professionalism and transparency.”

“This revitalization and reorganization will focus on a top to bottom review of the office,” Pearson said. “This process has already started. As Sheriff of St. Lucie County, I welcome the assistance of the Florida Inspector General to give us guidance as to how we may better serve our community.”

Pearson thanked the governor for appointing him as sheriff and said he is “incredibly humbled” by the opportunity to serve the community in this capacity.

“The men and women of our agency are energized by your appointment of me, and I am incredibly humbled by this opportunity to serve our community,” Pearson said.

Pearson is a lieutenant with the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office and has over 20 years of law enforcement experience. He is the recipient of the U.S. Department of Justice Distinguished Service Medal and the U.S. Southern District Outstanding Law Enforcement Officer of the Year Award.

“I was born and raised in this community, and I look forward to serving our citizens,” Pearson said.