Anne Arundel County police Sgt. George F. Johnson IV is seeking the Democratic nomination for county sheriff.

Mr. Johnson, a 22-year police veteran, formally asked the election board yesterday to place his name on the Sept. 13 primary ballot. Candidates have until July 5 to file for office. If no other Republican or Democratic candidates file, Mr. Johnson would face GOP incumbent Robert G. Pepersack Sr. in the Nov. 8 general election.

The county sheriff provides courtroom security, transports prisoners and serves some court documents.

Mr. Johnson, the commander of the county's armed robbery investigations unit, criticized Mr. Pepersack for overspending his budgets over the past four years and for seeking a 50 percent increase in the sheriff's salary. The sheriff earns $42,000 a year.

Mr. Johnson lives in Pasadena with his wife, Linda, and sons, George and David.