CHARLESTON COUNTY, S.C. – James Alton “Al” Cannon Jr. was sworn in as the sheriff of Charleston County on February 25, 1988, after winning a special election two days earlier. Running as a Democrat, Cannon defeated interim Sheriff Michael O’Dowd to complete the term of the late Sheriff Charles F. “Chuck” Dawley. This marked the beginning of Cannon’s remarkable 33-year tenure.
Major Achievements During Cannon’s Tenure
Over the course of his career, Sheriff Cannon oversaw significant changes in the local law enforcement landscape, including the merger of the Charleston County Police Department with the Sheriff’s Office. He also played a key role in expanding the Charleston County Jail, which was later named the Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center in his honor.
Cannon’s Later Years and Defeat in 2020 Election
Cannon later switched to the Republican Party and ran unopposed in eight general elections, holding office until January 2021. His career was marred by a misdemeanor assault charge in 2012, which was eventually dismissed. Cannon was defeated by Kristin Graziano in the November 2020 election, and Graziano served as sheriff until her defeat by Carl Ritchie in 2024.
