Sheriff-Elect Announces New Management Team

Sheriff-elect Tracy Carter introduced key members of his leadership team to members of the media tonight after three consecu­tive days of interviews with applicants. “I’m very proud of this leadership team we have,” Carter said. “We’re looking forward to working hard for the citizens of Lee County to make things safer.”

• Randall Butler, currently a detective with the Moore County Sheriff’s Office, was named as Chief Deputy. As chief deputy, Butler will be Carter’s second-in-command, directly supervising the captains of the detective division, the drug investigation division and the chief jailer.
  
• Carlton Lyles will be Major of Field Operations and will supervise all patrol deputies, civil deputies and bailiffs.
  
• Jeff Johnson, currently a detective with the Sanford Police Department, was named Detective Captain and will oversee the investigative division.
  
• John Holly will will oversee the five­ member drug enforcement unit as Captain of Drug Enforcement. Holly, who has been a lieutenant and assistant to the chief of police in Lillington for five years.
  
• Robert Worrell, who retired from the sheriff’s office in November 2005, will return as a Special Assis­tant to Carter and carry the rank of Sargent Major. Worrell, who was at one time Chief Deputy, will manage spe­cial projects.
  
• Kent Everett, who current­ly works for the Cumberland County Child Support Office, will be the Chief Jailer. A 10­ year-veteran of the U.S. Army, Everett has also been a police officer in Chapel Hill.

Sheriff Creates County Drug Unit

Cooperation With City Police Department to Continue

Keeping a promise that was a centerpiece of his campaign, Sheriff-Elect Carter has announced the creation of a county drug enforcement unit within the Sheriff's Office. On Monday, December 4, 2006, a drug enforcement unit within the Lee County Sheriff’s Office will exercise the authority of the Sheriff's Office for the enforcement of drug laws in Lee County. This will replace the joint city-county drug unit operated by the Sanford Police Department.

In a letter to Sanford Police Chief Ronnie Yarborough, Sheriff Carter said, “Since communication, coordination, and collaboration can take place in the absence of formal reporting relationships, there can and should be a continuing joint effort between the Sanford Police Department and the Sheriff’s Office to wage an effective fight against illegal drugs.”

“I am committed to full cooperation with you in making all of Lee County a safer, more secure environment”, Carter added.