 In Season 2, with the garrisoning and reconstruction of Jericho by the "Allied States of America (ASA)" Army, the area's military commander and chief administrator, Major Edward Beck, recognized Jake as one the others follow and listen to in the heat of conflict and appointed him Sheriff.Jake and the rest of Jericho witnessed the domination of the ASA and "Jennings & Rall (J&R)" over the town and the country at large, with Jake knowing first-hand how dangerous J&R was when it came to business dealings.Having previously been deliberately misleading and vague about his past, Jake came clean to Eric and explained what he did during his absence