CINCINNATI — It was a historic day in Hamilton County as the first woman and openly gay sheriff was sworn into office.


What You Need To Know

  • Charmaine McGuffey was voted the first woman and openly gay sheriff in Hamilton County

  • McGuffey worked for the Hamilton County Sheriff's office for over 30 years before she says she was fired after she alleges she was discriminated against for being gay

  • McGuffey said her number one goal is to be transparent. She has helped start and citizen advisory board and a liaison unit to do so

​Charmaine McGuffey, a 33-year veteran of the sheriff’s office, beat republican Bruce Hoffbauer in November. McGuffey said she was terminated from the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office in 2016, claiming she was discriminated against for being gay.

McGuffey announced her first 90-day plan, which includes a new citizen advisory board and liaison unit to create conversations between officers and the community, focusing on health and safety during this pandemic, and decreasing use of force by focusing on deescalation. She said she plans to be transparent with the community during a time of mistrust in policing.

“I am eager and ready to work together to enhance community safety and to ensure that all citizens of Hamilton County believe in the justice system that works for them," the new sheriff said.

One of McGuffey’s first tasks was touring the jail. She said she wants to ensure that health guidelines are being followed and wants to see how the jail can be better run and utilized.