Last week, the Board of Directors of the Cherokee County Major Crimes Unit (MCU) appointed Sheriff’s Office Senior Sergeant of Investigations, Brian Gilliland, as the new director of the Unit. During Friday’s meeting, former director, Chief Deputy Josh Summerford, requested the Board appoint a new director and recommended Sgt. Gilliland to serve as director. The Board agreed with the recommendation and made the appointment. The Board also appointed Chief Deputy Summerford as an advisory board member.

The MCU was created in October of 2014 and is a multijurisdictional unit, which includes the District Attorney’s Office, the Sheriff’s Office, Centre Police Department, Cedar Bluff Police Department and the Leesburg Police Department. The board named then Chief Investigator Summerford as director.

Chief Deputy Summerford said, “I have been the director of the MCU for over 10 years now and the team has had a lot of success. Since I am no longer working investigations every day, I felt it would be better for someone else to take the reins, and Brian is well-prepared to do that. Brian is a charter member of the MCU and I am certain he will do a great job. I have a strong passion for working on major crime cases and will continue to so in my capacity as chief deputy.”

The MCU has a closure rate of 100% in homicide cases. A 100% closure rate is almost unheard of in the United States.

Sheriff Jeff Shaver said, “I believe the success in solving cases by the MCU, has led to a drastic reduction in violent crime in Cherokee County.”

Leesburg Police Chief Hunter Brisendine said, “I have worked with Brian on many occasions, and I am confident he will serve the MCU well.”

District Attorney Summer Summerford said, “The importance of major crimes being investigated as a team and with the utmost professionalism is critical in the prosecution of those cases. Brian is well-equipped to excel in leading the MCU.”