Steve Lawson, head of the Bradley County Sheriff's Office's criminal investigations division, is leaving the department and running for sheriff.

Captain Steve Lawson has turned in papers at the Election Office to run for sheriff.

He said in a resignation letter, 'I feel the time has come for me to separate myself from this administration.

I have done my best to lead my division, and to be a positive influence within the management team, despite the dark cloud that has hung over the department for so long."

He also said, "When I can no longer respect or believe the person I work for, I know it is time to make the difficult decision to part ways."

Brian Quinn has been named as the new captain of the criminal investigations division.

Sheriff Eric Watson is facing felony charges, but the former state legislator is fighting them in court.