JACKSON, MI – Gov. Gretchen Whitmer was unreserved on the campaign trail when speaking about misconduct accusations against Jackson County Sheriff Steven Rand.

Since taking office two months ago, Whitmer and her staff have been less outspoken on the topic. When asked about the status of a probe into the sheriff’s conduct during Whitmer’s Friday, March 8 trip to Jackson, she said it’s still pending.

"We have been asked to take a look at it and that request has been received and it's something that is pending," Whitmer said, offering no further details.

Whitmer visited Northeast Elementary School and Jackson College on Friday to read to students and talk with locals about her plans for Michigan.

Rand was accused in a February 2018 federal lawsuit of creating a hostile work environment for sheriff's Lt. Tommy Schuette, and harassing him for a work-related hearing disability.

Schuette also accused Rand of being a “multi-faceted bigot” in the lawsuit. His lawyer later released audio recordings of the sheriff referring to female coworkers as a “b----” or “c---” and making other derogatory comments toward women and minorities.

Schuette last year also released documents showing Rand discharged his firearm in his office and did not report it. Undersheriff Chris Kuhl confirmed the incident, saying it was accidental and handled internally with undocumented, verbal disciplinary action.

Outside of a lengthy recall process, only the governor can oust an elected sheriff. Former Gov. Rick Snyder had former Attorney General Bill Schuette review requests from Jackson County and the city of Jackson to take such action.

After months of indecision, Whitmer criticized the office of Bill Schuette – her political opponent for governor – for “dragging its feet.”

“The people of Jackson deserve answers, and more importantly, they deserve a Sheriff who upholds the law and has the trust of the community,” Whitmer said in October 2018. “If I am elected and this matter has still not been resolved by the time I take office, I will carefully review all of the facts in this case and move swiftly to ensure that Sheriff Rand is held accountable for any misconduct in office.”

The offices of Whitmer and Attorney General Dana Nessel have declined to comment on questions about the status review and its progress.

Mayor Derek Dobies said last October he expected the new governor and attorney general to address the topic. He's not concerned it hasn't been addressed yet.

Dobies and Vice Mayor Arlene Robinson plan to write a formal letter to governor soon, asking for the sheriff's removal.

“The former administration took the entire year and produced no result. I understand that Gov. Whitmer has a lot on her plate,” Dobies said. “I have full confidence that she’ll be able to get to it in due course.”