Rooks County Undersheriff Chad Sterling has been chosen to be the county’s new sheriff.

Gov. Sam Brownback has appointed Sterling to fill the unexpired term of Randy Axelson, who resigned in May after being charged with methamphetamine distribution.

Rooks County Republicans forwarded Sterling’s name to Brownback for the appointment.

The 43-year-old Axelson faces nine felony counts of methamphetamine distribution. He is free on $45,000 bond.