- Title
- Republican nominee for Haywood County Sheriff · narcotics investigator, Cherokee Indian Police Department · farmer · campaign site
- In this role since
- candidate
- Next voter decision
- Nov 3, 2026 vs Democrat Tyler Howell; won the March 3 Republican primary over Sheriff Bill Wilke 57.8% to 42.2%, carrying 27 of 29 precincts (Smoky Mountain News · The Mountaineer) · Election 2026
Surveillance record
First position on the record Oct 7, 2026, in a Smoky Mountain News interview (Smoky Mountain News, Oct 7). The paper reports that he believes Flock cameras are valuable tools but has concerns over how data is stored and used, that he thinks reported abuses elsewhere can be avoided with accountability including termination and criminal charges, and that he will let the people weigh in and reflect their opinions in his policy. Its one direct quotation: “If it’s not something the people of Haywood County want, it’s not something we’re going to have.” On immigration, the paper reports he would continue honoring ICE detainers in accordance with state and federal law, and would provide support to ICE and Border Patrol operations while making sure any agency operating in the county treats people with dignity. No position found on drones or on who the plate data is shared with (as of Oct 7, 2026). Twenty-four years in law enforcement, most recently in multi-agency drug work with Haywood’s sheriff and town departments. The January 2026 candidate forum did not raise the cameras (WLOS).
What the next sheriff decides
Haywood’s cameras entered with no vote and were kept in July 2026 on a chairman’s statement, not a vote (Haywood County). Whoever wins in November decides, alone, whether the contract renews, who the data is shared with, and whether the office’s jail cooperates with ICE beyond what HB 318 requires (What the Law Lets the County Do).
The question for him
Would he keep the Flock contract, publish the sharing list and the annual audit, and put the renewal before the commission for a vote?