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Goshert topped five other candidates and was chosen on the fifth ballot, topping Indiana State Police Trooper Kyle Dukes.
Several candidates spoke of the need to restore the public trust after Rovenstine was removed following a felony intimidation conviction last month, Goshert cast himself as the best person positioned to “smooth over” the troubles in the department and relations with Warsaw Police Department.
The Rovenstine investigation put a spotlight on an ongoing feud between the sheriff’s department and Warsaw police.
In a post-caucus news conference, Goshert pledged to talk with representatives from Warsaw in hopes of improving relations.
He clearly appeared to have the support of personnel within the sheriff's department.
During the caucus, a petition of support for Goshert with the names of 73 people from within the department was touted by Mike Klondaris, who introduced Goshert.
Goshert also made a point during his presentation to thank Aaron and his father, Al Rovestine, also a former sheriff, for everything they taught him over the years.
He said he considers Aaron to be a close friend.
“I don’t take great joy in this because this came at a heavy price for a lot of people. It did a lot of damage to several families and this community,” Goshert said. “I won, but it was at a heavy cost.”
Goshert also said he “probably” will not run for sheriff next spring, but did not rule it out.
He predicted next year’s race for sheriff could attract more candidates than the six who sought the job Wednesday.
The caucus process took about two hours. More than 120 people attended the meeting and spectators began showing up at the courthouse in Warsaw nearly an hour before the start in hopes of getting a seat. Some people were apparently turned away because of fire code limitations.
The event also attracted two state Republican representatives as well as media from South Bend, Fort Wayne and Goshen.
Look for an expanded recap in Thursday’s print edition of the Times-Union.
