Steve Neavling
ticklethewire.com
A 35-year-old investigator assigned to the DEA office in Birmingham, Ala. announced he’s running for sheriff in the Alabama county of Cullman, where he also served as head of the Cullman Narcotics Enforcement Team, the Cullman Times reports.
Matt Gentry is running as a Republican to replace incumbent Mike Rainey in the June 3 primary.
“As sheriff, my office will be one that is held accountable —focusing from the top down,” Gentry said. “I will manage a more proactive and professional law enforcement agency, focusing on the needs of the citizens.”
Gentry said his law enforcement experience will help curtail the use of drugs and said he fears that heroin may soon replace meth as the drug of choice in Cullman County.
Since Jan. 2011, he’s worked for the Cullman County District Attorney’s Office as an investigator assigned to the Drug Enforcement Agency’s Birmingham field office where he covers Cullman County, the paper reported. He’s temporarily resigned the position this month while he campaigns.
