KOSCIUSKO — The four candidates for Attala County Sheriff were asked these questions by The Star-Herald. These are their answers. The election will be Tuesday with polls opening from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Billy Joe “Joey” Halderman

Why are you running for office?

I am concerned about the safety of our citizens of Attala County. I am concerned about the problems our young people face today concerning drugs and alcohol. I am committed to protecting our senior citizens and to leading the fight against crimes in our community involving drugs and alcohol as well as assault, robbery, burglary, grand larceny and murder. I will work hard to ensure each of you have a safe environment to live, work and raise your family.

I am committed to provide the best available training for deputies to ensure professional law enforcement for the citizens of Attala County.

I want the Attala County Sheriff’s Department to be an efficient, unified and successful part of our community.

As your next sheriff of Attala County, I will work to: decrease response times to crime scenes, collect credible evidence that produces convictions, approach crime victims and their family with utmost sensitivity, improve cooperation among local and state law enforcement agencies and acknowledge the value of crime information received from citizens.



Why should voters pick you?

I am a local man who knows our community and who understands the problems in our community. All of you deserve to be represented by the most qualified, trustworthy and well-trained person that is available in your sheriff’s office. I am that person!

I grew up in McCool on our family farm. I began my education at McCool School and graduated from Ethel High School. I continued my education and graduate from Holmes Community College and Mississippi State University, majoring in accounting.

I entered the Mississippi Highway Patrol Cadet School at the Mississippi Law Enforcement Officer’s Training Academy in October 1979, was sworn in as a state trooper in February 1980, and served the people of the State of Mississippi for over 28 years. I am a proven leader in law enforcement, with an outstanding work history with the Mississippi Highway Patrol, which is the most well respected and well trained law enforcement agency in the state.

I have the concern of the citizens, which is you, citizens of Attala County, in my thoughts every day.

All of you have the right to live in peace and be secure on your property and be safe and secure in your homes. Our senior citizens and children need extra protection so they can live in peace and feel safe. I have the well-being of the citizens of Attala County at heart, and I have the ability and desire to make a positive difference in the way our citizens are protected and the way our laws are enforced.

I am asking each of you personally for your vote so I can use my knowledge and training to protect you and provide unbiased leadership and law enforcement for all the citizens of Attala County.

Tim Nail

Why are you running for office?

I am running for the office of sheriff of Attala County so that not only my family, but all citizens of Attala County can have a safe community to live in.

As the father of a 19-year-old son and a nine-year-old daughter, I want my family and all the citizens of this community to be safe from danger and harm.

I have seen first-hand the pain, suffering and devastation that drugs, guns, violence and other crimes can bring to the citizens and families of Attala County.

Even though, I began my career in the retail grocery business, I had always had a lifelong desire to have a career in law enforcement.

In 2002, I decided to pursue the dream of becoming a law enforcement officer. Since that time, I have witnessed tragedies and triumphs of various proportions in this line of work. I have witnessed the good and unfortunately the bad in society. It is my goal and my experience and skills to help make our community as safe as possible.



Why should voters pick you?

I believe that the citizens of Attala County should vote for a man who is honest, fair and respected by those who know him; a man with morals and values, who supports and is supported by, his family. I believe in family values, especially in being loyal and supportive to my wife and children. I was raised on Christian values and believe in extending those teachings to the people around me. I believe in being respectful, fair and impartial, regardless of race, religion, ethnicity or gender.

I believe in upholding the law to the fullest extent. Crimes against others, drugs and gang violence will be top priority in the Attala County Sheriff’s Department.

In May, I was appointed sheriff of Attala County after the passing of the late Sheriff William Lee. There have been multiple drug busts and arrests under my leadership.

Four vehicles, approximately $7,000 in cash, guns and other items have been seized.

A Ford Expedition that was seized during one of the drug busts is currently being used by the Attala County Sheriff’s Department as a patrol unit.

The cash that was seized is intended to be used to purchase a K-9 drug dog to be used by the department in our community and our schools. Use of the cash for purposes such as this means no expense to the tax payers in order to make it possible.

If elected sheriff of Attala County, I will strive to work collaboratively with other law enforcement agencies at the local, state and Federal levels. Working together with other agencies allows for more effective utilization of available resources.

It is, and will continue to be, my goal to use every resource available in combating crime and keeping the citizens of Attala County safe.

I feel that 20 years of management experience and 10 years of law enforcement experience combined give me the necessary knowledge and skills to lead the department as sheriff of Attala County.

Seven of my 10 years of law enforcement experience have been serving with the Attala County Sheriff’s Department, with five of those years serving as chief deputy, working hand-in-hand with the late Sheriff William Lee.

I believe that my experiences and skills combined with serving as sheriff of Attala County for the past five months demonstrates my competency, leadership, skills and abilities and makes me the most qualified for the job as sheriff of Attala County.

Martin Roby

Why are you running for the office of sheriff?

As sheriff, I want to improve our county law enforcement. It also gives me an opportunity to continue to help the people of Attala County. I am familiar with the people and the territories of Attala County and as a citizen and resident of Attala County I see the growing problems that we are facing every day.

Drugs, thefts and violence are running rapid in our county. I want to stop or reduce the bad things from happening that law enforcement should have more control over.

I also want to be there for all citizens; rather if it’s protecting their homes from burglaries, getting drugs out of our community which is effecting our youth, protecting the welfare of our senior citizens or just listening to the concerns of everyone; big or small.

I have the experience to hold the office of sheriff. I know how to manage a department from an administrative and personnel standpoint and I have the knowledge and skills to enforce the laws and investigate crimes in our county.



Why should voters pick you?

Along with over 18 years of law enforcement experiences with a proven record of getting the job done, I have also been a fair and trusted lawman.

Out of my 18 years of experience, 15 of those years, I have proudly spent serving the citizens of Attala County. I have served as a patrolman, SWAT commander, city investigator, deputy sheriff, county chief investigator and chief of police.

I believe that I am the most qualified candidate, not just by years alone, but the quality training and work experience that I have in comparison to other candidates.

I’m dedicated to the profession I have been sworn to.

Have diligently worked throughout my career for this opportunity and if you elect me into office, I will continue to strive daily to improve our county in ways only a working sheriff can.

I pledge to serve the people with fairness and equality and I strongly believe in treating people how I would like to be treated, as well as, listening to problems that I can help solve in our communities. I will be a voice of reasoning and I will always put the safety and welfare of the citizens above all else.

Rickey H. Thornton

Why are you running for the office of sheriff?



I chose to seek the office of Sheriff because I feel that the citizens of Attala County deserve the best protection from their Sheriff’s Department. Burglary, theft, and other criminal activities are on the rise due to the changing economy. I chose to seek office because the prevention of these crimes and the safety of our current and future generations are important to me. I also believe that our citizens are facing concerns with adult and youth gangs, drugs and substance abuse. As an Attala County citizen who began his career at the Kosciusko Police Department, I feel obligated to the citizens of Attala County to serve and protect the families who live here with the best of my ability. It would be an honor to serve as Attala County’s next Sheriff.



Why should voters pick you?

I will lead an aggressive attack against the issues that are affecting our communities. I will actively participate in new initiatives with other law enforcement agencies to fight against drugs, violent crimes, home invasions, and crimes against businesses to protect Attala County families.

I will be a proactive public servant of, for, and to the citizens of Attala County. My top priority will be to treat all citizens with fairness and impartiality while protecting and defending the citizens of Attala County.

With over 28 years of law enforcement and administrative experience, I am prepared for this position. My goal is to make Attala County a safer place for you and your family.