By David Eck
Enquirer Contributor

LAWRENCEBURG - A decade after leading one of the most sensational murder investigations in United States history, retired Los Angeles Police Detective Philip Vannatter is continuing his law enforcement career in southeastern Indiana.

Vannatter, who investigated the 1994 deaths of O.J. Simpson's ex-wife and her friend, began work Monday as chief deputy of the Dearborn County Sheriff's Department.

"He brings a wealth of experience in criminal investigations and a wealth of knowledge in dealing with the media, and some management, too," Sheriff David Lusby said. "Dearborn is up and coming. I think the sprawl from Cincinnati is going to continue in that direction."

As the No. 2 person, Vannatter, who lives in Switzerland County, will handle administrative duties, supervise detectives and assist in training of deputies, Lusby said.

Vannatter, 62, was defeated in a 2002 run for Switzerland County sheriff.

Dearborn, which houses Argosy Casino and Resort, is home to 46,109 people, 2000 Census figures show.

"I think that I can be an asset for the sheriff and I think it's a good learning experience for me, as well as maybe for some of the officers here," Vannatter said.

"... It's a new and different aspect of law enforcement that I'm interested in learning."

E-mail daveck@fuse.net