04/11/2026
Remember Early Voting has started! Take a moment and read some of my experience and why Iâm the most qualified candidate to be your next Sheriff!
âď¸EXPERIENCE MATTERS!âď¸
This is why I believe I am the most experienced and proven candidate to serve as Sheriff of Vigo County.
I bring over 30 years of dedicated law enforcement experience to this community. The majority of my careerâ27 yearsâhas been spent in corrections, including 2 years with the State of Indiana prison system and 25½ years with the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
During my time in federal service, I worked in multiple departments and played a key role in inmate re-entry programming. That work focused on giving individuals the tools and opportunities to rebuild their lives, support their families, and return to society as productive citizens. I believe those same principles can be applied locally to strengthen Vigo County in a more personal and effective way.
I also served as a self-defense instructor and spent 10 years on the Special Operations Response Team (SORT), where I gained valuable experience in high-risk situations, leadership, and teamwork.
After becoming eligible for retirement, I was recruited by Sheriff John Plasse to join the Vigo County Sheriffâs Office as a Merit Deputy.
Since joining the Vigo County Sheriffâs Office in 2021, I have continued to serve with dedication and purpose. I have been honored to receive four Life Saving Awards and one Accommodation Award. I am a graduate of FBI SWAT School and currently serve as an entry team member on the Terre Haute SWAT Team, where I have been active for four years.
I also serve as the lead Defensive Tactics instructor for the Vigo County Sheriffâs Office. I am regularly called upon to assist the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy in training new officers, and I have developed my own training manual. Additionally, I have contributed to improving instructional techniques used by academy trainers.
I am a proud Army veteran, serving 4 years on active duty and 10 years in the Indiana National Guard, including two deployments. During my military service, I was also a member of the Army boxing team.
Beyond my professional career, I have always been committed to giving back to this community. I coached youth football for 20 years and wrestling for 2 years. I have served as a mentor in the Vigo County School Corporationâs TUFF program and with the 100 Men outreach program, helping guide young men toward strong and successful futures.
I am also a small business owner, operating Cheeks Martial Arts Academy, where I continue to teach discipline, confidence, and personal responsibility.
With a lifetime of service, leadership, and commitment to the people of Vigo County, I am ready to serve as your next Sheriff.