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
An average citizen. An honest Sheriff
Current Occupation
Small Business Owner
Age (optional)
56
Campaign Phone
252-670-4362
I am an average citizen—a blue-collar worker and small business owner who spent most of my career as a heavy diesel mechanic. I’ve also had the privilege of teaching at Craven Community College’s Volt Center, driven by a passion for the trade and a desire to share knowledge with others. I served as a volunteer firefighter. I am not a career politician or a career law enforcement officer. I am an average citizen with extensive management experience. Over the years, I have worked closely with law enforcement on multiple projects and developed friendships with many officers. The role of Sheriff is not just about enforcement; it is about leadership, budgeting, and responsible management. That is where my experience matters most.
I decided to run for Sheriff because the current administration has failed to deliver on its promises of transparency and accountability. Growing concerns are being raised not only by citizens, but also by deputies and staff within the Sheriff’s Department, regarding secrecy, unfair treatment, and decisions made behind closed doors.
Since the current Sheriff took office, the opiod crisis in Craven County has risen to the highest in the state. The promised partnerships with treatment providers has quietly disappeared. Financial oversight has become a major concern as management drives new vehicles and administrative salaries exceed those of seasoned deputies. Yet officers training has taken a back seat and no body cameras were purchased.
Craven County has cut much needed funding, treatment programs and local resources as a result of the current administration's mismanagement. I have already spoken to community organizations about bringing those programs back to the jail and those in need. You cannot fight the opiod crisis with strict law enforcement alone.
Financial oversight will be addressed day one. A complete audit of the budget, spending, and resources will be done to see why the current administration has asked for over $500,000 in funds in the last 3 years and yet officers are still not properly trained as we have seen in recent officer involved incidents, new vehicles are being purchased without cause, and salaries are clearly exceeding normal standards.
Without seeing a more detailed breakdown of the current budget and considering they have received over half a million dollars in additional funds in the last 3 years, I do not feel the Sheriff's department needs additional funding. It is clear that the current administration is not managing their resources to benefits the citizens of Craven County as a whole, rather is going to their personal needs and pockets with new vehicles and inappropriate salary appropriations. This is very concerning when much needed training of officers has been cut and body cameras are still not a priority to protect the officers and the citizens.
Craven County is lacking in re-entry resources. I have been brainstorming with citizens about a more defined re-entry program than the one currently in place that collaborates with Sheriff's Department. I would like to implement a case manager to assist incarcerated individuals in planning their release to focus on reducing recidivism rates. There are too many incarcerated individuals in Craven County that are repeat offenders and this is not being considered as the current administration rips resources and programs away from them.
I am not running to attack anyone. I am running to tell the truth. Craven County deserves leadership rooted in honesty, accountability, and fairness. I am an average citizen with grease on my hands and a firm belief in justice for all. With me, there will be no secrets and no favoritism. I ask you to seek the truth—and if you do, I believe you will stand with me. Vote for an average citizen and an honest Sheriff.
