Derek Fell
Candidate for Sheriff, Vigo County
Background
- Occupation
- Vigo County sheriff
- Campaign website
- sheriffderekfell.com
Vigo County sheriff since 2024, when he was caucused into the office after Sheriff John Plasse's death; he has worked 24 years at the sheriff's office. He has a criminology degree from Indiana State University.
Photo: Candidate photo via the League of Women Voters' VOTE411 guide
Documented positions
Public safety
Supports detaining repeat and serious offenders before trial
ReportVOTE411 Voter Guide: Vigo County SheriffCandidate questionnaire · League of Women Voters (VOTE411) · onyourballot.vote411.org
“there are certain individuals (repeat offenders and those who are committing more severe crimes) who should be detained pending trial”
Pledges to keep the jail population within legal limits
ReportVOTE411 Voter Guide: Vigo County SheriffCandidate questionnaire · League of Women Voters (VOTE411) · onyourballot.vote411.org
“We have and will continue to keep our incarcerated numbers at legal limitations so we are not faced with a recurring overcrowding issue”
Courts & justice
Supports community corrections for lower-level offenders
ReportVOTE411 Voter Guide: Vigo County SheriffCandidate questionnaire · League of Women Voters (VOTE411) · onyourballot.vote411.org
“I am personally very supportive of our community correction program for lower-level offenders.”
All sources (4)
- Who and What Is on My Ballot: the official ballot of every precinct, 2026 General Election
Election filing · Indiana Election Division (Indiana Voter Portal) · indianavoters.in.gov
- Who and What Is on My Ballot: the official ballot of every precinct, 2026 General Election (Vigo County offices and districts)
Election filing · Indiana Election Division (Indiana Voter Portal) · indianavoters.in.gov
- Fell to face Ellis in Vigo Sheriff race in November
News coverage · Tribune-Star · May 5, 2026 · tribstar.com
- VOTE411 Voter Guide: Vigo County Sheriff
Candidate questionnaire · League of Women Voters (VOTE411) · onyourballot.vote411.org
Positions are summarized from the sources listed and are not inferred from party affiliation. Items marked “Provided by” were published by the candidate's verified campaign or party office under our campaign content standards. See something wrong? Use the Report link beside it, or contact us.