Chad Gregory Chronister (born February 2, 1968) is an American law enforcement officer and politician who has served as the sheriff of Hillsborough County, Florida since 2017.
Hillsborough County, Florida
Early Life and Education
Chad Chronister was born in York, Pennsylvania. His parents, Helena Bentivegna and Danny, had a daughter a year later and eventually divorced. Chronister's maternal grandfather, Jack Bentivegna, lived nearby and served as a father figure. He credits his family, faith and grandfather Jack Bentivegna “Nanu” for instilling his passion for selfless service to others.
“Nanu” Jack served his country as a decorated Marine in combat missions at Guadalcanal, Iwo Jima and Guam during World War II. Chronister played junior varsity football and ran track before graduating from high school in 1986.
He graduated from Saint Leo University, receiving a Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice and a Master of Science in criminology. He has a bachelor’s in criminal justice and a master’s in criminology from St.
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Career in Law Enforcement
Chronister began working in the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office in 1992, beginning his career as a patrol deputy and SWAT operator. A veteran law enforcement officer, Sheriff Chad Chronister has served with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office for the past 28 years.
He then served as a detective for several units, including environmental enforcement, warrants, narcotics, and intelligence. Chronister was a supervisor in the Warrants, Narcotics, Intelligence, and Dignitary Protection Detail.
He held the rank of colonel until Aug. 31, when Florida Gov. Rick Scott appointed him to fill the position being vacated by retiring Sheriff David Gee, according to the sheriff's office. His appointment becomes effective Oct. 1, and he will remain sheriff until the next general election, set for November 2018, according to the office.
Chronister was hired by the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office in 1992 and has worked in many of the department's divisions, including patrol, street crimes, SWAT, narcotics, major crimes, intelligence, protection details, warrants and the environmental unit. He is currently commander of the office's homeland security division, training, community outreach, human resources and general services, according to the sheriff's office.
He became the top law enforcement officer in Hillsborough County on September 30, 2017, upon his appointment by Governor Rick Scott and was elected by the citizens of Hillsborough County on November 6, 2018.
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Sheriff Chronister has earned many commendations. His civic associations include board membership positions with Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay and Metropolitan Ministries.
Sheriff Chronister addresses investigation involving academic cheating within HCSO
Political Career
In September 2020, Chronister's office publicized the names and mugshots of eleven men who were arrested in a local park on misdemeanor charges after agreeing to have sex with undercover male deputies.
On November 30, 2024, President-elect Donald Trump announced his intention to nominate Chronister as Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Chronister last week was named interim sheriff of Hillsborough County, Florida.
However, on December 3, 2024, it was reported that Chronister withdrew from consideration.
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Personal Life
In 1992, Chronister married Teresa Card, with whom he has a son, born in 1993. The couple divorced in 1995. In 1997, Chronister married Tammy Edwards, and they divorced in 1999.
Chronister married Nicole DeBartolo in 2010. A native of York, Pa., Sheriff Chronister is married to Nicole DeBartolo and has two sons, Asher and Zack, and two dogs, Cali and Oreo.
Chronister's son, George, was arrested in 2017 for stabbing another man in the face. He was sentenced to 22 months in prison and 3 years probation to follow his release. Governor Ron DeSantis ended his probation in April 2022.
Electoral History
Chad Chronister's electoral victories underscore his strong support within Hillsborough County. His election results are as follows:
| Election Year | Office | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Sheriff of Hillsborough County | Elected |
| 2020 | Sheriff of Hillsborough County | Re-elected |
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