By Arthur E. Foulkes
TERRE HAUTE — Merv Javins is considering a run for Vigo County sheriff in 2010.
“I’ve been asked by numerous people that I consider running,” Javins said Tuesday. “I’m not going to rule it out.”
The Javins family has become well known in Terre Haute since Merv’s son, Scott Javins, a 20-year-old Indiana State University student, went missing on May 24, 2002 after attending a party with friends. Scott Javins’ remains were discovered still inside his Honda Civic in the Wabash River near the Fairbanks Park boat launch two months ago.
Bumper stickers have turned up around town endorsing Merv Javins for the sheriff’s post.
“I don’t know where the bumper stickers have come from, who printed them or anything,” Javins said Tuesday.
For now, Javins wants to remain focused on learning about his son’s fate, he said. But, he adds, he has given a lot of thought to a possible sheriff’s bid.
“It may be the only way I’ll find out what happened to Scott is to be elected sheriff,” Javins said.
Javins has complained often about the level of communication he has had with the Sheriff’s Department. And he has complained in the past about the department’s handling of information related to Scott’s discovery.
“I do not blame [Merv Javins] in the least for his opinion,” said Sheriff Jon Marvel. “I don’t think there is a person on this department or anyone connected with this that would have any doubt that we have tried every avenue we can to find out what happened to Scott.”
The investigation into Scott Javins death is continuing, Marvel added. Forensic work now under way may further help investigators know which direction to work, he said.
Merv Javins believes his experience over the past five years has given him reasons to at least consider running for sheriff.
“I’ve definitely seen a lot of problems over the last five years that need to be corrected,” Javins said. “Hopefully, if I do run, maybe I can make a difference.”
Arthur Foulkes can be contacted at (812) 231-4232 or arthur.foulkes@tribstar.com.
