In 2020, the Little Egypt Republican PAC (LERPAC) issued a public warning to Republican voters about a candidate who was not who he claimed to be. That candidate was Justin Maze, who ran for County Commissioner as a Republican despite having a record as a Democrat voter, donor, paid worker, and Precinct Committeeman just days before declaring his candidacy. After our warning, Maze lost the Republican primary.

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Despite that, Maze was later appointed to the vacant office of Circuit Clerk in 2021 with the backing of “important” people — chief among them, current Sheriff Jeff Diederich.

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You know how that story ended. Maze resigned as Circuit Clerk as part of a federal pretrial diversion agreement related to the falsification of bank records in various real estate transactions, a scheme that also implicated former Democrat State’s Attorney Brandon Zanotti, and a former Democrat judge candidate. Before the truth came out, Maze falsely claimed his resignation was due to an overseas military deployment. He later admitted to the lie and apologized. 

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Why bring this up now?

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Because just as we did in 2020, LERPAC remains committed to protecting Williamson County Republicans from corrupt, reckless, dishonest or compromised leadership. Today, we are sounding the alarm again — this time about Sheriff Jeff Diederich — and urging you to reject his re-election. Here's why:

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First, Jeff Diederich has deep ties to Maze. Diederich is close personal friends with Maze, endorsed Maze for office, and lobbied aggressively for Maze’s appointment as Circuit Clerk. Even more troubling, Maze now works on Diederich’s re-election campaign — despite being forced to resign in disgrace. This is not poor judgment once; it is a pattern.​

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Second, Diederich’s leadership has directly cost taxpayers. Due to more than a dozen lawsuits filed against the Sheriff’s Office during his tenure, the county’s longtime law enforcement liability insurer dropped the department. In November, the County Board was forced to approve new coverage at a staggering 900% increase — a cost paid entirely by taxpayers.

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Third, Diederich presents glaring conflicts of interest. He is a wealthy real estate developer who owns multiple local businesses, including liquor stores, a restaurant serving liquor and gaming establishments — the very activities his office is charged with regulating. How does one regulate or arrest himself? 

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Prior to becoming Sheriff, his law enforcement experience consisted of only a few years as an officer (while President & CEO of his companies) in Energy, IL and Johnson County, IL. That limited law enforcement background does not justify holding the county’s top law enforcement position.

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Here is the reality: Jeff Diederich is a rich man playing cop. He was unqualified when first elected, and his record has only confirmed that assessment. Sixteen lawsuits, skyrocketing insurance costs, and continued association with corrupt courthouse figures should concern every Republican voter. 

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There are better, more qualified Republican candidates for Sheriff. Our choice is QUINN LAIRD and we invite you to join us in voting for him.

 

Sincerely,

Little Egypt Republican PAC

 

Paid for by Little Egypt Republican PAC. The political views and opinions expressed herein are those of LERPAC and are not authorized by any candidate or candidate committee. For documentation and further details, please click here.