NEXT ELECTION: NOV 5, 2024
NEXT ELECTION: NOV 5, 2024
Undersheriff Jorge H. Cruz is dedicated to serving the citizens of Gogebic County and has proudly done so for nearly 18 years. 
Undersheriff Cruz has spent his entire life in Gogebic County, born and raised in Ironwood, Michigan. US Cruz is a local graduate of Luther L. Wright high school in Ironwood. After graduating high school, US Cruz obtained an associate’s degree in Criminal Justice from Gogebic Community College. After GCC, he went to the Northern Michigan University Regional Police Academy and graduated in 2005 as a Michigan certified police officer.
Undersheriff Cruz started his career in Gogebic County, working both corrections and road patrol whenever called upon. Retired Sheriff Sanders provided US Cruz an opportunity to become a full-time Deputy Sheriff working corrections in 2007.
Undersheriff Cruz represents Gogebic County...
Undersheriff Cruz with his sons, Alex and Owen.
Undersheriff Cruz lives in Erwin Township with his wife, Jeana (Niksich), two boys Alex & Owen, and their springer spaniel. He enjoys spending time with his family, fishing, hunting, and restoring antique furniture. US Cruz also coaches local youth sports including soccer, flag football, & baseball.
In 2008, area law enforcement created a Critical Incident Response Team (SWAT) & US Cruz was selected to be a responder. In 2009, US Cruz applied and was selected to become a member of the Gogebic Iron Area Narcotics Team (GIANT). US Cruz was lead investigator on many narcotic related crimes, truly making a difference in the Gogebic Range. US Cruz continues to be a part of the leadership team overseeing GIANT and has been in that role since 2016. US Cruz serves on the DOVE Board and has established a good working relationship with community partners.
In 2012, when the Detective position at the Sheriff’s Office opened, US Cruz was selected by Retired Sheriff Pete Matonich to oversee all investigations at the Sheriff’s Office. As Detective Sergeant, US Cruz investigated a wide array of crimes including homicide, sexual assaults, & various types of fraud.
On January 1, 2022 newly appointed Sheriff Ross Solberg named US Cruz his Undersheriff. In that role, US Cruz gained experience developing and managing budgets and grants at the Sheriff’s Office. US Cruz has a strong and well-rounded background in managing all facets of law enforcement & corrections in Gogebic County.
