Monica Hernandez / Eyewitness News
PLAQUEMINES, La. -- He's been under fire for months, and as investigations from state and federal agencies heat up, Plaquemines Parish Sheriff I.F. "Jiff" Hingle announced he is not running for re-election for what would have been his 6th term.
Hingle declined to speak on camera, or go into his reasons for pulling out of the race.
But he said in a statement, "I want the people of our great parish to know that it is with a heavy heart that I have reached this decision. Simply put, I love being sheriff."
Those who have been following the recent allegations of spending scandals and inappropriate gifts said they're not surprised.
"I think his announcement is an indication that he may have bigger problems than running for reelection," said Rafael Goyeneche, president of the Metropolitan Crime Commission.
State Rep. Ernest Wooton, I-Belle Chasse, served as sheriff before losing to Hingle two decades ago. He said the allegations surrounding Hingle prompted him to enter this year's sheriff's race.
"It was one of the reasons I decided to run," said Wooton. "I didn't like what was going on, and the image that was being portrayed and the silence... It put people in awkward positions."
Businessman Lonnie Greco is also left in the race.
"Whatever Sheriff Hingle decided on his part, I'm going to respect that and just leave it at that," said Greco.
Meanwhile, with the state legislative auditor and the FBI reportedly investigating Hingle, Goyeneche points out the sheriff has continued to dodge the public's questions about alleged wrongdoing.
"If he were to involve himself in this election, he would be hounded by questions," said Goyeneche. "I think it's obvious he doesn't intend to answer those questions, at least to the public, for the foreseeable future."
Still, some Plaquemines Parish residents said they'd like to see Hingle stay in office.
"He's done a good job. Allegations that you might hear in the media are just that, allegations. I have no reason to believe any of them," said Mike Mariana.
A Facebook page was created Friday night to support a third candidate for sheriff, Plaquemines Parish Councilman Keith Hinkley.
The Friends of I.F. Jiff Hingle announced their support soon after. Qualifying for the race is Sept. 6through Sept. 8. The election is set for Oct. 22. Hingle's replacement will take office in July of next year.
