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COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford has appointed an interim sheriff for Williamsburg County.

Michael Lamar Johnson was appointed Friday to replace Kelvin Washington, who was confirmed last week as the state's new U.S. marshal.

Johnson was the county's chief deputy.

Sanford spokesman Ben Fox said Washington recommended Johnson, who will serve as interim sheriff until voters elect a replacement in July.

Washington took over as marshal from Johnny Mack Brown, a former Greenville County sheriff nominated by President George W. Bush in 2002. Washington was nominated by President Barack Obama on the recommendations of U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn and fellow Democrat Rep. John Spratt.

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