The Democratic nominee for Jefferson County sheriff will be determined in Tuesday’s election, but one candidate is seeking to disqualify his opponent in the courts.
Mark Cannon filed a lawsuit against Sheriff Lafayette Woods Jr., claiming Woods committed an “infamous crime.”
The lawsuit states Woods should be ineligible under state law “because, based upon information and belief, Woods previously pleaded guilty to misdemeanor theft — a crime that constitutes an ‘infamous crime,’ under Article 5, Section 9 of the Arkansas Constitution.”
A lawyer for Woods, however, filed a motion for sanctions and a motion for summary judgment against Cannon, adding that the “sole purpose is to stop the abuse of the legal process by Mr. Cannon.”
The preferential primary election is Tuesday, and the winner will go on to face Chris Lowery, an independent, in the November general election. A hearing on the lawsuit will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday in the 2nd Division of the 11th West Circuit Court.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Woods, Cannon and Lowery answered the following questions about their aspirations for the sheriff’s office:
1. What moves you to run for sheriff?
2. What are your most pressing needs in the position?
3. Are you in any way distracted or concerned about the lawsuit?
LAFAYETTE WOODS JR.
1. Jefferson County deserves steady, experienced leadership. Nearly eight years ago, voters entrusted me with the honor of serving as the 32nd Sheriff. Overall crime is down more than 16 percent, major and violent crime have declined, operations and training have been strengthened, community partnerships expanded, and our detention facilities have maintained full compliance with jail standards. The work is not finished. Serving as sheriff is about more than enforcement. It is about leadership and service. This election will determine whether we continue moving forward or risk going backward. I remain committed to protecting this county and supporting deputies.
2. Our most pressing needs center on sustaining progress while meeting evolving public safety demands. That includes strengthening recruitment and leadership pipelines, continuing to expand mental health and substance-use resources, competitive benefits, modernizing training, technology and fleet resources. We have secured more than $1 million in grants for crime reduction, technology and courthouse security, and we must continue pursuing those opportunities. Equally important is transparency and collaboration so our agency reflects the diversity, values and expectations of the community we serve. Public safety works best when it is collaborative, transparent and focused on prevention as well as enforcement.
3. No. My focus remains on serving the people of Jefferson County. Out of respect for the judicial process, I will not litigate that matter in the media. My legal team have filed motions to dismiss the case for baseless claims and accusations driven by political motives on multiple fronts, and the matter will be addressed in the appropriate legal venue where facts and law prevail. I am confident in the process. While others may engage in political distractions, my priority remains public safety, accountability and continued leadership.
MARK CANNON
1. I do not have work history pertaining to law enforcement. However, I have worked in conjunction with law enforcement agencies to bring justice to different municipalities across the country and within the state of Arkansas. Examples include: Ensuring that sex offenders are brought to justice, assisting victims of domestic violence and abuse cases and bringing awareness to the community that we have to collaborate as a whole to make sure the perpetrators are removed from the streets. If you see something, then it’s of utmost importance that you say something, because it could easily be your family who’s the next victim. I care about my fellow constituents and the relationship that I’ve built within the community resonates with many. For seven-plus years the people of Jefferson County have been misinformed regarding incidents that have taken place within the jails as well as the sheriff’s department. Well, I know that I can change the trajectory of that by being, as I always have, transparent and consistent.
2. Lack of accountability, integrity and transparency and too much favoritism that has placed a chokehold within the sheriff’s department, the detention center and the Juvenile Detention Center. The deaths at the county jail has been attributed to a lack of empathy as well as indifference toward human rights.
3. The lawsuit was filed to have him removed from office, because he should have never been on the ballot from the very beginning of his first administration. Sheriff Woods Jr. was not honest with the Election Commission nor the constituents of Jefferson County. He has lied on multiple occasions regarding his eligibility, and we the people deserve so much more. We deserve a sheriff who’s going to put the communities’ needs above his own personal interests.
CHRIS LOWERY
1. Resource allocation: Ensuring our deputies have the necessary resources, training and support to perform their duties effectively, especially in the face of rising crime rates. This includes the detention facilities, cross-training in job assignments and working as a team among all law enforcement entities within Jefferson County. I vow that on my first day in office I will work to correct the unsafe environment currently at our detention facilities. I am not an administrator nor a politician. I am a leader with a proven record of leadership that leads from the front and sets the tone and expectations by example. My core values are integrity first, service before self and excellence in all I do, as ingrained in me with my 24 years of Air Force service.
2. Community relations: Strengthening relationships with the community through outreach programs and initiatives that foster trust and collaboration between law enforcement and residents. Being completely transparent with the community — “When I know you will know” type of communication.
Mental health support: Implementing programs that provide mental health resources for deputies and those in our community, recognizing the importance of mental well-being in law enforcement, through a wellness program and working with partners to help the mental health crisis I believe we have with some citizens and lack of resources.
Technology upgrades: Investing in modern technology and equipment to improve response times and enhance investigative capabilities. Items like body cameras, AI technology and communication equipment to improve effectiveness.
3. While I respect the legal process, I do have concerns about the implications this lawsuit may have on the sheriff’s office and community trust. It’s crucial for the leadership of the sheriff’s office to be above reproach, and any questions regarding eligibility can undermine public confidence. I do feel that elected officials with allegations should be committed to answering the allegations. My focus remains on ensuring that our office would operate with integrity and accountability, and I believe it’s important for all candidates to adhere to the highest standards of eligibility and conduct.