Command Staff

Sheriff Jose Quiroz moved to Arlington with his family when he was 5 years old. Sheriff Quiroz’s parents are both proud immigrants from Honduras. Sheriff Quiroz attended Arlington Public Schools: Abingdon Elementary School, Kenmore Middle School, and Swanson Middle School. After graduating from Bishop Denis J. O’Connell High School, Sheriff Quiroz joined the United States Marine Corps and served four years of active duty and was honorably discharged as a non-commissioned officer in 2001.

Sheriff Quiroz wanted to continue serving his community and joined the Arlington County Sheriff’s Office on September 10, 2001, the day before our country was attacked. Sheriff Quiroz graduated from the 106th Session of the Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Training Academy in 2002 and was assigned to the Corrections Division of the Arlington County Sheriff’s Office. In 2005, Sheriff Quiroz was transferred to the Judicial Services Division assigned to the Court Security section.  In 2014, he was transferred to the Detention Facility and worked in the Records Section. In 2015, Sheriff Quiroz was promoted to the sergeant rank, as a first line supervisor on all four shifts in the detention facility.

In 2018, Sheriff Quiroz was assigned to the Training Section as the training sergeant which was a newly created position. As the training sergeant, Sheriff Quiroz was assigned to oversee the Field Training program, supervise newly hired deputy sheriff recruits, and assist with other training assignments within the sheriff’s office. 

In 2019, Sheriff Quiroz was promoted to the rank of lieutenant and assumed the role of Training Coordinator, overseeing all training related functions for the sheriff’s office. In 2022, Sheriff Quiroz was promoted to captain and assigned to oversee all sheriff’s office contracts to include the medical and food services contracts.  In January of 2023, he was appointed Sheriff of Arlington County and was elected the 19th Sheriff of Arlington County in November of 2023. Sheriff Quiroz is the first sheriff of Latino descent in Arlington County and the first elected sheriff of Latino descent in the commonwealth of Virginia.

Sheriff Quiroz loves serving his community and is passionate about connecting the sheriff’s office with the community. In 2018, he created the sheriff’s office annual breast cancer awareness campaign which has donated over twenty thousand dollars to the Virginia Hospital Center Outpatient Clinic. 

Sheriff Quiroz also served as director of the annual Arlington 9/11 Memorial 5K event from 2019-2022. Sheriff Quiroz oversaw the planning, budget, and execution of the event and worked closely with all four Arlington public safety agencies and community leaders to put together a successful event. The Arlington 9/11 Memorial 5K has raised over nine hundred thousand dollars to date.

Sheriff Quiroz is a graduate of the National Sheriff’s Institute Leadership and Jail Administration course, the Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs Virginia Sheriff’s Institute program, and the University of Nebraska at Omaha School of Criminology and Criminal Justice Jail Executive Institute leadership program. 

Sheriff Quiroz is a member of the Virginia Sheriff’s Association, American Jail Association, American Correctional Association, USS Arlington Community Alliance and the Optimist Club of Arlington. Sheriff Quiroz is very active with the Special Olympics of Virginia and also volunteers with youth and senior citizen events in Arlington.

Sheriff Quiroz lives in Arlington with his wife and two children.

Dr. Richard G. Malish, Colonel, U.S. Army (Retired), serves as the Chief Medical Director of the Arlington County Detention Facility. A board-certified cardiologist and internist, Dr. Malish brings more than two decades of military and clinical leadership to the role, overseeing comprehensive medical care for the facility.

Prior to joining Arlington County, Dr. Malish retired as a Colonel after a distinguished Army career, including service as Commander of Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center and Deputy Chief of Staff for Quality and Safety in the Office of the Army Surgeon General. He holds an M.D. from the Uniformed Services University, completed cardiology training at Walter Reed, and earned master’s degrees in Military Arts and Sciences, Strategic Studies, and Business Administration. He is a decorated veteran and member of the Order of Military Medical Merit.

Major Gretchen Foster has been with the Arlington County Sheriff’s Office for over 26 years, joining in 1998. After graduating from the Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Training Academy, she began as a Housing Unit Deputy and later worked in Court Security. Promoted to Sergeant in 2009, she served in the detention facility as a Zone Supervisor and Acting Shift Commander. In 2015, she became a Lieutenant, holding roles such as Shift Commander, Records Manager and Training Coordinator. Promoted to Captain in 2016, she served as PREA Coordinator/Accreditation Manager and Assistant Director of Inmate Services.

Gretchen was promoted to Major in 2020 and became the first female Director of Corrections. She currently serves as Director of Administration, overseeing various sections including Training, HR, and Budget. She has received several accolades, including Employee of the Quarter and certifications from professional associations.

Gretchen holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from West Liberty State College.

Major Jonathan Burgess is currently the Director of Judicial Services, a role that oversees the protection of judges and overall security for the Courthouse.

Jon joined the Arlington County Sheriff’s Office in 2020. He attended Session 103 of the Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Training Academy, and his first assignment was as a housing unit deputy.

In 2012, Jon was promoted to Sergeant, and he spent time in numerous roles such as Zone Supervisor as well as acting shift commander where he was assigned to all four shifts (day and night) and in the sheriff’s intelligence unit that handles Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests. This department also includes the collection and compilation of data related to criminal activity and emerging trends, threat assessment and crime prevention and legal compliance.

In 2016, Jon was promoted to Lieutenant and assigned to the Administration Division as the training coordinator followed by shift commander. In 2019, he was promoted to Captain and oversaw the daily operations of the detention facility as Assistant Director of Corrections. Subsequently, he got promoted in 2022 to Major and served as the Director of Corrections for the Detention Facility managing day-to-day operations and administration of the facility, providing leadership and direction to the staff and deputies and ensuring the safety and security of inmates, staff and visitors. He also made sure policies and procedures were implemented with emphasis on compliance and oversaw programs and services aimed at inmate rehabilitation. His staff maintained the physical infrastructure of the facility and he addressed any safety concerns while also maintaining and building relationships in the community. In January of 2025, he became the Director of Judicial Services.

Jon holds several certifications such as gang specialist, General and Less Lethal Instructor and more. He was a 2023 Leadership Arlington cohort participant as well as a graduate of the FBI’s Leadership Trilogy. He holds several other recognitions such as SERT Commander, Employee of the Quarter, Team Leader for Sheriff’s Emergency Response Team and Field Training Officer.

Major Jonathan Burgess is a member of The International Association of Chiefs of Police and American Jail Association for Corrections.

Major Juan Gelabert joined the Arlington County Sheriff’s Office in January of 2001. He attended the Northern Virginia Justice Academy as part of Session 105 and his first assignment was with the Arlington County Detention Facility on shift operations managing inmates. Juan later moved onto Court Security and then spent more than ten years in Warrants and Civil Process before being promoted to Sergeant in 2014. He worked several assignments as a jail supervisor and a Sheriff’s Intelligence Unit Coordinator before his promotion to Lieutenant in 2017 and was assigned as a Shift Commander. Juan’s final assignment as a Lieutenant was as the Training Coordinator.

In 2019, he was promoted as Captain and was assigned to oversee internal administrative investigations as the Internal Affairs Commander which may included external and internal complaints, harassment, Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) cases, background investigations and more. Juan was also appointed as the Office’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) officer. In 2024, he was promoted to Assistant Director of Operations, where he coordinated various aspects of daily operations at the Arlington County Detention Facility. In 2025, Juan was promoted to the rank of Major and assumed the role of Director of Corrections, where he now oversees all facility operations, staff management, and strategic planning to ensure the safe, secure, and efficient functioning of the detention facility.

A native of Arlington, Juan attended elementary, middle school and high school in Arlington. He maintains current certification in jail officer, court security, civil process and law enforcement training.

Juan was a 2023 mentor in Arlington County’s EMERGE program and a 2022 graduate of Leadership Arlington, a program designed to cultivate and develop leadership skills among individuals within the community. It aims to enhance these leadership capabilities, foster community awareness, and promote civic engagement. He is a member of the Virginia Sheriff’s Association, National Sheriff’s Association, American Correctional Association, and International Association of Chiefs of Police.

Captain Juan Gelabert holds numerous honors and distinctions which include Meritorious Service Awards and Letters of Commendation and Appreciation.

Captain Angela Souder joined the Arlington County Sheriff’s Office in 2005 after graduating from the Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Training Academy. She worked in various roles within the detention facility and courthouse, including the Inmate Work Program and Court Security. She later became an Academy Instructor and served in the Warrants Section. Promoted to Sergeant in 2015, she served as a Zone Supervisor and acting shift commander before becoming a Lieutenant in 2017. As a Lieutenant, she supervised the Records Department and later served as a Shift Commander, Court Security Supervisor, and Training Supervisor.

In 2022, she was promoted to Captain and currently serves as Assistant Director of Administration, supporting the Director with budget and human resources. Angela holds certifications in First Line Supervisor training, Crisis Intervention, and Command Leadership Development.

She has received several Merit Awards, Letters of Commendation, and holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Phoenix.

Captain Rob Morrill joined the Arlington County Sheriff’s Office in 1992 after graduating from the Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy. Currently serving as Assistant Director of Inmate Services, he oversees inmate property, services, alternative programs, records, and booking and processing. With over 30 years of experience, Rob has held diverse roles within the agency, including Sheriff Intelligence Unit, Court Security, Shift Supervisor, Special Operations, Warrants Section, and Records. Promoted to Sergeant in 2011, Lieutenant in 2015, and Captain in 2023, he has received numerous certificates and awards, including Gang Expert, Executive Development, and Leadership Effectiveness.

Rob has been recognized for his commitment to duty, with honors such as letters of appreciation, commendations, merit awards, and a service pin for life-saving actions. He has served on various committees and was featured in Deputy and Court Officer Magazine for his expertise in security systems.

Rob holds a bachelor’s degree from George Mason University.

Captain Rob Lutz, Assistant Director of Judicial Services, brings 30 years of dedicated service to public safety. Rising from deputy sheriff to captain since 1992, he has held various roles, showcasing exceptional leadership and commitment. His journey includes positions such as Sergeant, Lieutenant, Training Coordinator, and Project Manager, where he demonstrated strategic planning and versatile leadership. As Assistant Director, he plays a vital role in judicial operations, contributing to the efficient functioning of the justice system.

Rob holds certifications in jail management, defensive tactics, and firearms instruction, and is actively involved in professional associations. His achievements include numerous commendations and awards, including the Meritorious Service Award and recognition from the Arlington County Jaycees.

Rob earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from James Madison University.

Captain Broderick Lindsey has dedicated over 25 years to the Arlington County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO), displaying unwavering commitment to public service and professionalism. Currently serving as the Assistant Director of Professional Compliance since March 2020, he oversees critical aspects such as ADA compliance, PREA standards, and accreditation. Captain Lindsey is a key figure in advocating for ADA accommodations and preventing sexual abuse in confinement, actively engaging with Arlington County’s Project PEACE coalition. He also manages accreditation certifications and provides ADA training to incarcerated individuals at the Arlington County Detention Facility (ACDF). Previously, he excelled as a Shift Commander and Transportation Supervisor, ensuring the safety and security of personnel and inmates.

Captain Lindsey's instructional roles, including as a Firearms and Crisis Intervention Trainer, highlight his commitment to staff development. His dedication and expertise make him an invaluable asset to the ACSO and the community it serves.

Captain Sean Elston joined the Arlington County Sheriff’s Office in 2006 after graduation from the Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy. Prior to his start with the ACSO, Sean had enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserves and amassed extensive experience as a military police officer, undergoing rigorous training and serving with distinction. He played a pivotal role in maintaining order and ensuring the safety of military personnel and civilians in multiple overseas deployments during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Sean is currently in the role of Internal Affairs Commander which is responsible for background checks, internal and external investigations, the Intelligence Unit, digital evidence, Freedom of Information Act requests, and systems administration.

Prior to his promotion to Captain, he was in various roles within the Arlington County Sheriff’s Office, spending much of his career in the detention facility whether it be assisting in the daily operations of managing staff schedules, ensuring compliance with protocols or implementing efficient processes to maintain the security and functionality of the facility. In those positions, he also implemented and created numerous policies and introduced new technologies such as security upgrade projects.

Sean has served with distinction in all areas of the ACSO, having been recognized with numerous accolades, including commendations for Merit throughout his career. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Captain Sean Elston obtained his bachelor’s degree from George Washington University in the field of Police Science.

Captain Veronica Canela currently serves as the Assistant Director of Operations, bringing nearly two decades of progressive experience, leadership, and commitment to the core mission of the Sheriff’s Office.

Captain Canela began her career in December 2006 as a Housing Unit Deputy and then graduated from the Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Training Academy in 2007. She quickly proved herself a capable and dependable deputy and continued her service in housing before transferring to Booking and Processing in 2010.

Promoted to Lead Processing Deputy in 2011, she took on increased responsibilities in overseeing intake and release operations. In 2013, she became a Records Case Manager, where she was instrumental in maintaining accurate inmate records and case files.

In 2017, Veronica earned the rank of Sergeant, leading the night shift before transitioning to Day Shift Lower Zone One Supervisor in 2018. Her dedication to operational excellence and team development led to her promotion to Administrative Sergeant in 2019.

In 2020, she was promoted to Lieutenant, serving as Night Shift Commander where she ensured the safe and efficient management of facility operations during overnight hours. By 2022, she advanced to Records/Property/Booking & Processing Supervisor, where she oversaw multiple critical functions integral to daily jail operations.

Her most recent promotion to Captain in November 2024 marks a culmination of hard work, operational expertise, and a steadfast commitment to service. As the Assistant Director of Operations, she provides high-level oversight of key facility units and plays a vital role in strategic planning and interdepartmental coordination.

Captain Canela is known for her calm leadership style, mentorship of rising staff, and comprehensive knowledge of detention operations. She has received multiple commendations throughout her career for professionalism, teamwork, and innovation.

She continues to be an integral leader in advancing the Sheriff’s Office mission of safety, professionalism, and rehabilitation.