(Submitted by Jackson Parish Sheriff Brent Barnett)
As Sheriff of Jackson Parish, I am proud to announce several key leadership appointments within the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office. These individuals were selected for their proven character, professionalism, and commitment to service.
Each has demonstrated reliability under pressure, accountability in action, and dedication to strengthening both this office and the community we serve. I have full confidence in their ability to uphold our standards and carry forward the mission of protecting and serving the people of Jackson Parish. The appointments are as follows:
Stephen Watts – Chief Deputy
Stephen Watts has been appointed Chief Deputy of the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office. He brings more than 23 years of law enforcement experience, most of it in patrol supervision and field leadership, and most recently served as Patrol Commander overseeing patrol operations for the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office. He holds FBI and Louisiana POST instructor credentials; is a POST-certified Firearms Instructor; a United States Department of Homeland Security FLETC/FITP Distinguished Firearms Expert; an instructor through the Active Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training (ALERRT) program at Texas State University; and has completed advanced SWAT and Sniper/Observer certifications. A lifelong resident of Jackson Parish, Chief Deputy Watts has demonstrated a consistent commitment to professional service, accountability, and supporting the deputies and citizens he serves.
Johnny Horton – Chief Investigator
Johnny Horton has been appointed Chief Investigator of the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office. He brings more than 30 years of law enforcement experience, including over 25 years of service with the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office, where he began in 1999. His career includes assignments in patrol operations, patrol supervision, and criminal investigations. During that time, he has completed extensive training in multiple investigative disciplines, including criminal interrogations, crime scene processing and documentation, property and financial crimes, sexual assault investigations, and homicide investigations. His experience and procedural knowledge contribute greatly to maintaining thorough and professional investigative operations for the Sheriff’s Office.
Mark Franks – Patrol Commander
Mark Franks has been appointed Patrol Commander of the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office. He brings more than a decade of law enforcement experience, including supervisory roles within patrol operations, and has been serving as a patrol shift supervisor. His public safety background includes professional fire and EMS service, fire investigation, emergency management, and experience as an investigator and supervisor with the Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office. He has participated in multi-agency emergency response, search, and recovery deployments, including an out-of-state deployment during which he was sworn in as a Puerto Rico State Police officer. Patrol Commander Franks brings a practical, team-focused approach to patrol operations and daily service to the parish.
Bently Williams – Director, Jackson Parish Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness (OHSEP)
Investigator Bently Williams has been appointed Director of Jackson Parish Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (OHSEP). He previously served as Deputy Director, working closely with me in the coordination and management of parish-wide emergency preparedness, planning, and response efforts, including operations during one of the most severe winter and ice storms in Jackson Parish history. Williams is a U.S. Army veteran with more than 20 years of public service, including service as a Deputy Sheriff in multiple roles such as D.A.R.E. Officer, School Resource Officer, and Investigator. His experience supports effective coordination, preparedness, and response efforts for Jackson Parish.
Please join me in congratulating these leaders as they step into their new roles and in thanking them for their continued service to Jackson Parish.
One Parish. One Team. One Mission
