PART 2. SHERIFF

The second of our features in The Lazer will be a two person race with incumbent Chuck Jackson being challenged by former chief deputy Mark Wheeler. This race includes two well qualified candidates, both Republicans, meaning whoever wins this race is the sheriff since there is no Democrat registered to run.

Here is what they have to say.

MARK WHEELER

Mark Wheeler for Lawrence County Sheriff

Mark Wheeler, 52, currently serves as Administrative/Detective Sergeant for the Boyd County Sheriff’s Office.

I have been married to my wife, Kerry Saul Wheeler, since 1994. Together we have two children, Allyson Kirk and Andrew Wheeler, and are proud grandparents to three grandchildren.

A lifelong resident of Lawrence County, I attended Lawrence County Schools graduating in 1992. After high school, I attended Ashland State Vocational Technical School, earning a Diploma in Diesel Technology in 1994. In 1996, I joined the United States Army where I received specialized training as an OH-58D(I) Armament/Missile Systems Repairer and was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas. I deployed with the 1st Calvary Division to Bosnia as part of the SFOR NATO-led multinational peacekeeping operation in the spring of 1999. Later in 1999, I returned home to Lawrence County to raise our family.

In 2004, I was given the opportunity to serve the citizens of Lawrence County as a Deputy Sheriff. I attended the Department of Criminal Justice Training in Richmond, Kentucky, graduating from Basic Training in September 2004.

I served as a Patrol Deputy before being promoted to Chief Deputy in 2011, a position which I held through 2018. During that time, I also served as Accreditation Manager, where I was tasked with developing and organizing the policies and procedures for the Sheriff’s Office based on recognized professional standards for efficient and effective operations.

Through those efforts, the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office achieved accreditation through the Kentucky Association of Chiefs of Police in 2014 — a distinction earned by fewer than 20 sheriff’s offices in Kentucky at that time.

In 2019, I joined the Boyd County Sheriff’s Office as a Patrol Deputy. In April 2024, I was promoted to Administrative/Detective Sergeant. In November 2025, I was additionally assigned as the department’s Detective responsible for major case investigations.

During my time with the Boyd County Sheriff’s Office, I have also served in several specialized roles, including:

 Detective

 Field Training Officer

 Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) member for child abuse investigations

 Boyd County Sheriff’s Office liaison for 988 Crisis Intervention meetings

 Local Agency Security Officer responsible for compliance with Kentucky State Police and FBI Criminal Justice Information Services requirements

I was also entrusted with developing and organizing the Boyd County Sheriff’s Office policies and procedures using the accreditation model previously implemented in Lawrence County.

Training & Experience

Over a 22-year law enforcement career, some of the training I have completed is as follows:

 Drug investigations, surveillance, and controlled buys

 Advanced collision scene investigations

 Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training

 Crime scene investigations

 Sexual assault investigations

 Equine abuse investigations

 Advanced impaired driving investigations

Investigative Experience

I have experience investigating a wide range of criminal cases, including but not limited to:

 Fraud investigations

 Drug trafficking and narcotics investigations

 Large methamphetamine manufacturing operations

 Organized criminal drug trafficking rings

 Child physical and sexual abuse cases

 Manslaughter and murder investigations

Some highlights of my investigative career include:

 Conducting extensive narcotics investigations resulting in prison sentences of up to 20 years.

 Conducted multiple investigations into manufacturing methamphetamine which resulted in charges involving nearly 100 individuals across the different investigations.

 Assisted surrounding counties with methamphetamine manufacturing investigations.

 Worked alongside Kentucky State Police Drug Enforcement and Special Investigations personnel on federal oxycodone distribution conspiracy cases.

 Investigated an organized drug trafficking ring in Lawrence County (included 24 total

suspects identified and charged during the extensive investigation),

 Participating in numerous undercover narcotics operations involving methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl, and other dangerous controlled substances which resulted in charges for organized criminal drug trafficking operations against multiple. individuals and included the seizure of more than 650 grams (1.4 pounds) of heroin.

 Worked and been involved in cases which resulted in federal charges and lengthy sentences including for Distribution of matter portraying sexual performance by minor, promoting a minor (u/16) in sex performance, and distribution of fentanyl resulting in an overdose death. These were in coordination with the FBI and DEA.

Vision for Lawrence County

I decided to run for Sheriff because Lawrence County is my home. My family and roots are here and I care deeply about the citizens, their families, and the deputies who serve them.

I believe using my years of investigative and administrative experience can help restore exceptional law enforcement service Lawrence County deserves. Through my experience at the Boyd County Sheriff’s Office, I have gained valuable knowledge in structured operations, accountability, report tracking, and efficient case management systems that ensure citizens’ concerns are properly addressed. This will help keep issues and cases from slipping through the cracks.

I also understand the importance of equipping deputies with modern technology and tools that improve both productivity and officer safety. One of my priorities will be working to provide deputies with quality Mobile Data Terminals (MDTs), laptops, and printers in patrol vehicles. These systems allow deputies to access criminal justice information in real time, including driver’s licenses, vehicle registrations, warrants, and criminal history information.

Having firsthand experience using this technology since 2021, I have seen how it improves officer safety and operational efficiency. Deputies can instantly determine whether an individual is wanted or has a history of violence — critical information when responding to calls and conducting traffic stops.

I believe it is time for Lawrence County deputies to have access to the same modern technology and equipment already being utilized by agencies throughout the region and across Kentucky.

Throughout my career, I have always strived to serve and protect the citizens to the very best of my ability and it would be an honor to do that in Lawrence County again.

As Sheriff, I will be a working Sheriff who leads by example and passes my knowledge and experience on to the next generation of deputies so they can better serve the citizens of Lawrence County now and into the future for years to come.

I believe in leading a Sheriff’s Office built on:

 Accountability

 Transparency

 Results — Not Excuses

The citizens’ concerns need to be heard and addressed. If it matters to you, then it matters to us!

I sincerely want to thank everyone for taking the time to learn about me and my vision for Lawrence County and humbly ask for your vote and support.

Together, we can bring a positive change to Lawrence County.

*****

LC Sheriff Chuck Jackson

Hello, my name is Chuck Jackson. It has been my honor and privilege to serve as your Sheriff for the past 7 years.  As voting day is fast approaching I wanted to share some of my life with you. I have lived and served in Lawrence County since 2003.  I am the son of Tim and Sherry Jackson also of Lawrence County.  I have been married to my wife Jill for 20 years.  We have seven children, six grandchildren, and expecting our seventh very soon.  All of my children have attended Lawrence County Schools and most of my grandchildren.

In the early 90’s I received my general diploma and started a small business that I operated until the early 2000’s, at which time I was introduced to law enforcement. I found I enjoyed the service, liked the ability to help people and a chance give back to the community.

In 2003 I started working with the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office and graduated from DOCJT training.  During that time, I served as a patrol deputy up until late 2004 early 2005 before becoming a K-9 handler.

While in this position I received specialized training on drug investigations and highway drug interdiction. While working our K-9 Leah,  I saw the benefits of using the K-9 position to spread awareness of drug and substance abuse prevention.  K-9 Leah and I would do demonstrations in schools, churches and other organizations.  We participated in working with other agencies such as KSP, Louisa Police Department and a special highway interdiction program with Boyd County, Kentucky Vehicle Enforcement and the State Police K-9 program.

In 2012, I was promoted to the rank of sergeant.  During this time, I continued my patrol duties along with administrative responsibilities as sergeant. In 2018, after much consideration I decided to run for sheriff.

My vision for this office was, and always will be, one of community based policing.  I wanted this office to not only respond to calls for service but to create prevention-based programs targeting drug and substance abuse among the youth and community.

I also wanted to see the agency grow by increasing staff and benefits.  We currently have seven sworn and DOCJT certified deputies and seven certified court security officers.  This includes two school resource officers.  We also have two working K-9’s.  The deputies have received a much deserved 67% pay increase since 2019.

For the last seven years several programs have been implemented by our office, which include but are not limited to, the Community Impact Program, local Sheriff’s Camp for kids, Quick Response Team, and the D.A.R.E program.  We hope to continue to grow our office in the coming years, not only for these programs but also law enforcement services.

Since 2019 the number of drug and alcohol citations and grand jury cases continue to rise each year.  Deputies will continue to receive specialized training to increase their ability to work specialized cases and investigations.  We will continue to add equipment to aid in digital investigations which will help identifying drug users / traffickers and other instances digital evidence can be collected.  We have also been able to provide the deputies with upgraded equipment, protective gear, new cruisers, and a new records management system.  We continue to network with the Louisa City Police, Wayne County DEU, Kenova Drug Units, and other agencies to detect, arrest, intervene, and protect against drug abuse.

I humbly ask for your continued support in the upcoming primary election so we can continue to be involved in the community with our proactive and prevention programs as well as our law enforcement .  We will strive to provide an administration that has proven its dedication to community service and our children.  I look forward to continuing to serve as your sheriff.

Sheriff, Chuck Jackson