Bentley for Tompkins County Sheriff

03/10/2026

Im laughing at Sheriff Osborne's response to my information which are facts told to the public. How can you sit there and deny the fact of all of the things that have added up over the contribution of the years you've been in office? What my question is to this is how is it Preposterous when it's detailed facts to the public and everyone knows about it I think it's very important that we need to focus on the important pieces of the reflection of the past years he's been in office and what good has he done to help the community. I'd like to hear the Public's response on this!

Tompkins County native Jared Bentley is running as an independent for sheriff.

03/10/2026

Here's a recap of the interview.

Audio from the stations of the Cayuga Media Group in Ithaca, NY.

03/03/2026

I’m Not Running for a Title. I’m Running for Results.
To the Tompkins County community: You’ve seen the comments and the "anonymous" noise. When you challenge the status quo and call out mismanagement in a department that has been stagnant for years, the establishment pushes back.
I am not a career politician. I am a former Federal Detention Officer and a resident who has seen the failures of our current system firsthand—from the mismanagement of our jail to the neglect of our rural areas.
My personal life is mine, but my commitment to this county is yours. I am here to talk about transparency, cutting response times, and stopping the waste of your tax dollars. If you want a Sheriff who isn't afraid to stand up to the heat to get the job done, I’m your candidate.
Let’s talk about the future of Tompkins County. What is the #1 safety concern in your neighborhood?
Where are your tax dollars going? (Hint: It’s not staying in Tompkins County).
Did you know that because of mismanagement at our local facility, we are paying other counties to house our inmates? This is called "boarding out," and it is a massive drain on our local budget.
My "Day One" Plan:
Stop the outsourcing of our responsibilities.
Prioritize local hiring and staffing to keep our facility safe and operational.
Reinvest those saved tax dollars back into rural patrols and community programs.
We need a Sheriff who understands that fiscal responsibility is part of public safety. It’s time to keep our money—and our accountability—right here at home.
Safety for All, Accountability for Management.
Public safety isn't just about more police; it's about better management. Having worked at the Asteri complex, I’ve seen what happens when out-of-town developers neglect their properties and leave the residents—and the police—to deal with the fallout.
As your Sheriff, I will advocate for:
Developer Accountability: Holding management companies like Vecino Group responsible for safety, not just leaving it to law enforcement.
De-escalation First: Modern training that prioritizes life and follows international standards.
Equal Protection: Ensuring our rural towns get the same fast response times as the city center.
We can have a safe county AND a fair system. It starts with a leader who isn't afraid to hold everyone accountable.
"I appreciate those who have reached out with genuine questions about the future of the Tompkins County Sheriff’s Office. To those focused on personal attacks and 'anonymous' negativity: I am here to discuss public safety, fiscal responsibility, and the mismanagement of our county’s resources. My campaign is about the taxpayers who are tired of the status quo and the residents who deserve a reliable Sheriff. I will not be distracted by noise or personal agendas that do nothing to improve our community. From this point forward, I will only be engaging with those who want to have a serious, respectful conversation about how we can make Tompkins County safer and more efficient. My focus is on the work, and my door is open to anyone who wants to discuss real solutions."

03/03/2026

A Message to the People of Tompkins County: It’s Time for a Sheriff Who Answers to You.
I know there has been a lot of noise lately. In politics, when you challenge the establishment and point out that the system is broken, the response is often to get personal. But while others are focused on the past, I am focused on your future.
I am running for Sheriff because Tompkins County is currently paying a "mismanagement tax" that you shouldn't have to bear. We are sending your hard-earned tax dollars to other counties to house inmates because our own department is understaffed and disorganized. We are leaving our rural residents waiting too long for help when they call 911. And we are allowing out-of-town developers to neglect properties in Ithaca while our officers are left to pick up the pieces.
If you want a Sheriff who will stay in the status quo, I am not your candidate. But if you want a leader who will:
Stop the Taxpayer Drain: I will end the "boarding out" of inmates and keep our tax dollars right here in Tompkins County to fund local jobs and local safety.
Guarantee Rural Protection: I will move deputies from behind desks and out into the field, ensuring that help arrives just as fast in Dryden or Newfield as it does in the city.
Hold Management Accountable: Whether it's a corporate landlord or a government agency, I will use the full authority of the Sheriff’s Office to demand accountability for those who create unsafe environments in our community.
You may not agree with everything I’ve done, but you can trust that I will always tell you the truth and I will always put the safety of this county first. I am an Independent because I don't answer to a political party—I answer to you.
Let’s stop talking about the distractions and start talking about how to fix our county. I’m Jared Bentley, and I’m ready to get to work for you.

03/03/2026

MAGA SUPPORTER ALL THE WAY!

02/28/2026

Due to the volume of comments and messages I'm receiving regarding my content being shared directly on our campaign page, it seems some individuals are misinterpreting my intentions. Let me reiterate that my focus is on the broader goals of my campaign for Tompkins County Sheriff, rather than getting bogged down in minor details. Unfortunately, some people are responding with hostility and disrespect because we're not providing the answers they want to hear, and we're facing backlash as a result. I want to assure you that I've worked at the facility in question and provided documentation to support my claims. My approach is to focus on the bigger picture, rather than getting sidetracked by petty issues. I'm being cautious with my words to avoid misinterpretation. I understand some of you may have concerns about my approach, but I ask that you refrain from judgment and hostility, especially given that we're still in the early stages of this campaign. As a nonpartisan candidate, I aim to serve everyone's rights, and I would appreciate it if you could conduct yourselves in a respectful manner.

02/28/2026

Thank you, everyone, for your likes and your support!
We are stronger together as one!
Let's make a difference together!

Vote Bentley For Tompkins County Sheriff

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02/27/2026

Good morning to all!

02/27/2026

As a proud resident of Tompkins County for 29 years, I invite you to join my campaign for Sheriff. My roots in this community run deep, having been born and raised in Newfield and graduating from the Newfield Central School District in 2011. Mr. Gary Teeter, a respected Sheriff and resource officer, was instrumental in shaping my career goals. Following his lead, I pursued a career in law enforcement, working in various roles until joining a Federal Detention Center in New York State in 2024. This experience has equipped me with valuable skills and knowledge, which I am eager to apply to serving the people of Tompkins County. As Sheriff, I promise to uphold the principles of integrity, professionalism, accountability, and transparency. My vision includes implementing effective strategies, managing resources efficiently, and building strong relationships with law enforcement agencies. Let's work together to create positive change and ensure the well-being of our community.