Position/philosophy statement
Experience matters. Leadership matters. Public Safety is strong when law enforcement and the community work together.
Current Occupation
Elected Sheriff of Craven County
Age (optional)
58
My experience and proven leadership make me the best candidate to continue leading this office. Having served as the elected Sheriff for over seven years, I bring continuity, stability, and an in-depth understanding of both the operational and community responsibilities of the Sheriff’s Office. During my tenure, I have managed complex budgets, overseen personnel and training, implemented modern law enforcement practices, and worked collaboratively with local, state, and federal partners to keep our county safe. I have built trust through transparency, accountability, and community engagement, while maintaining a firm commitment to professionalism and public service. My experience allows me to continue to lead effectively from day one.
The biggest, cross-cutting issue is that the Sheriff’s Office has to maintain public safety with fewer people, limited money, and growing demands from the community and courts — all while adapting to modern expectations around transparency, technology, and mental-health-oriented responses.
Deputies are increasingly first responders to situations involving mental health crises, substance abuse, and homelessness — areas traditionally managed by social services. Handling these effectively with limited training and support resources is a broader challenge beyond just criminal enforcement.
“In a rural county, help can be miles away — we have to get it right the first time.”
Strong backup and officer safety protocols for solo deputies
Faster response through better call triage and zone coverage
Cross-training deputies to handle more situations independently
“A Sheriff’s Office is only as strong as the people wearing the badge.”
Protect deputy mental health and family time
Peer support and confidential counseling
Keep experienced deputies here instead of losing them to bigger counties
Continue to train future leaders from within
Faster response and follow-up for domestic violence
Clear help for protection orders
Senior safety checks and scam prevention programs
As Sheriff I'll continue to listen first and lead from the front
Patrol & Response Capabilities
More deputies on the road to reduce response times
Replacement of aging vehicles and equipment
Jail Operations & Inmate Services
Staffing levels to reduce overtime and burnout
Improved medical and mental health care for inmates
Facility upgrades for safety and security
Training & Professional Development
Advanced and ongoing training (de-escalation, crisis intervention)
Leadership development for supervisors
Scenario-based and reality-based training equipment
Mental Health & Crisis Response
Co-responder programs with mental health professionals
Expanded crisis intervention teams
Post-incident support and wellness resources for deputies
Recruitment, Retention & Pay
Competitive salaries and benefits.
The Sheriff's Office currently utilizes several different entities in attempts to reduce recidivism rates and to assist individuals preparing to reenter independent living. Those services can include; Southeastern Integrated care to assist individuals with substance use issues, mental health evaluations, and treatment plans or programs, we use workforce development program and small business centers, as well as Community Outreach Programs which assist individuals in finding appropriate transitional housing.
As your Sheriff, my top priority is keeping our community safe and making Craven County a place where people are proud to live, work, and raise a family. Public safety is not just about enforcing the law—it’s about building trust, strengthening partnerships, and being present in the community.
I am committed to proactive, professional law enforcement that holds criminals accountable while treating every citizen with fairness, dignity, and respect. We will continue to focus on crime prevention, aggressive response to violent crime and drug activity, and protecting our most vulnerable residents, including children and seniors.
Equally important is supporting the dedicated men and women of the Sheriff’s Office. By providing proper training, modern resources, and strong leadership, we ensure our deputies are prepared to meet today’s challenges and tomorrow’s threats.
Together, we can ensure Craven County remains a community where families feel secure and businesses can thrive.
Position/philosophy statement
I believe in honest, accountable leadership, equal justice, fiscal responsibility, and putting people before politics. My priorities are proactive law enforcement, safer communities, better-trained deputies, and restoring public trust.
Current Occupation
Industrial Programs Coordinator
Age (optional)
54
Campaign Phone
252-671-7675
I bring over 30 years of law enforcement experience serving Craven County, working my way through the ranks in detention, patrol, investigations, narcotics, and leadership, including Patrol Lieutenant. I led and supervised both the Narcotics Unit and Crime Lab, overseeing complex investigations and personnel. As a founding member and later Team Leader of the Sheriff's Office Special Response Team, I helped lead high-risk operations. I've worked alongside local, state, and federal agencies on major investigations. My experience at nearly every level of the Sheriff's Office has given me firsthand knowledge of its operations, the challenges deputies face, and the responsibilities of effective leadership.
One of the greatest challenges facing the Sheriff's Office is employee retention and morale. Since January 2019, more than 300 employees have separated from the agency. That kind of turnover affects experience, training, consistency, and ultimately the services our citizens receive. We cannot expect deputies and detention officers to perform at their best without strong leadership, proper training, and support. Restoring confidence within the agency is essential. When employees feel valued, supported, and respected, they are more likely to stay and build careers here. That stability allows us to provide better coverage, stronger investigations, and more dependable service throughout Craven County.
I want to move our Sheriff's Office toward more proactive policing, with deputies regularly engaging neighborhoods, businesses, and community organizations. I plan to strengthen investigations by establishing separate units for major crimes and less serious offenses, ensuring victims receive proper follow-up. I also want a Special Victims Unit focused on vulnerable citizens and missing persons, regardless of age, along with stronger partnerships serving our senior population. Other priorities include improved field training, realistic defensive tactics training, employee wellness, and expanded use of body-worn cameras. My goal is an agency that works to prevent problems instead of simply responding after something happens.
Additional funding could improve patrol coverage, employee training, detention operations, and investigative resources. Deputies need dependable vehicles, modern equipment, and training that prepares them for the situations they encounter. I also believe body-worn cameras should extend beyond patrol to other appropriate divisions, including detention. Our jail needs adequate mental health resources for both inmates and employees. However, before asking taxpayers for more money, I believe we must examine how existing funds are being spent. Responsible budgeting means prioritizing the employees providing frontline services and ensuring every taxpayer dollar is used wisely.
Many people entering our jail struggle with substance abuse, mental health issues, or a lack of resources. Simply releasing someone without addressing those problems often leads them right back into the system. I want to strengthen partnerships with treatment providers, mental health professionals, faith-based organizations, and community agencies to help connect individuals with services before their release. This includes assistance with recovery programs, employment resources, and continued counseling when available. Accountability remains important, but so does giving people a realistic opportunity to make better choices. Reducing repeat offenses benefits our entire community and helps keep Craven County safer
I've spent most of my adult life serving the people of Craven County, and I know firsthand what this job requires. Being Sheriff isn't just about enforcing laws or managing a budget. It's about taking responsibility for the people who work for you and the citizens who depend on you.
I believe we already have talented, dedicated men and women serving in our Sheriff's Office. They deserve leadership that recognizes their abilities, develops their potential, and gives them the tools to succeed.
I also believe the Sheriff should be accessible, willing to listen, and accountable for the decisions made under their leadership. The badge doesn't place anyone above the people they serve.
My commitment is to lead an agency where employees are respected, citizens are treated fairly, and public trust is earned through actions, not promises. Being fair is not being soft. It's about doing what's right, even when doing so isn't easy.
