Judge Sam Elliott
Sheriff Samuel J. “Sam” Elliott was appointed as the 31st Sheriff of Yamhill County on November 30, 2023, and sworn in December 21, 2023. He was elected to his first full term in November 2024 and sworn in on January 6, 2025.
Elliott grew up in Carlton, Oregon and he attended Pierce Community College, where he earned an Associate of Arts and Sciences degree. He began his law enforcement career in 2001 as an officer with McMinnville (OR) Police Department, where he served for 15 years as patrol officer, field training officer, detective, and interim detective sergeant. He was hired by Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office as a deputy in October of 2016.
Since becoming a part of Yamhill County Sheriff’s Office, he has continued serving the community as he advanced through the ranks. Elliott has worked as an enforcement deputy, rural patrol enforcement sergeant, administrative sergeant, and enforcement captain. He has served as field training officer, fleet manager, FTEP coordinator, contract city supervisor, marine program supervisor, woods program supervisor, crime response supervisor, and illegal marijuana market enforcement program supervisor. He has also served as the Public Information Officer (PIO).
Sheriff Elliott resides in rural Carlton with his wife and three children.
