SNOW HILL — Worcester County’s two-pronged law enforcement and prosecution team will seek to keep the partnership going for at least another four years after State’s Attorney Beau Oglesby and Sheriff Reggie Mason each announced on Monday they will re-election to their respective posts next fall.
Oglesby and Mason were elected in the same year in 2010 with the former edging long-term State’s Attorney Joel Todd in his third try and the latter replacing Sheriff Chuck Martin, who announced his retirement earlier that year. In the three years since, Oglesby and Mason and their collective departments have worked closely together on law enforcement and the prosecution of suspects.
“The lines of communication between our two offices are stronger now than they have ever been,” said Mason on Monday. “Deputies and prosecutors are immediately discussing their cases and actively participating in the process from charge to conviction.”
Oglesby agreed the partnership forged over the last three years has made Worcester a safer place to live.
“When officers and prosecutors work together from the inception of a case to a final verdict, it ensures solid investigations and well-prepared prosecutions,” he said.
Oglesby had high praise for Mason, calling him one of the best cops he has ever worked with in his long career as a prosecutor.
“Sheriff Mason is undoubtedly one of the finest law enforcement officers I have ever had the privilege of knowing and working with,” he said. “He leads by example and is decisive, fair and possesses an unwavering moral compass.”
For his part, Mason was equally effusive in his praise of Oglesby.
“I am extremely impressed with Beau’s professionalism,” he said. “He has the highest standards and expectations for the people he surrounds himself with and believes in the equitable distribution of justice that holds everyone accountable for their actions. I’m honored to call him my friend and the people of this county are safest when he’s in the courtroom.”
The connection between law enforcement and prosecution is typically a strong one, but the relationship between Oglesby and Mason has set a new standard they maintain. According to a joint release issued by both candidates on Monday announcing their attempts at re-election, “the special relationship between Mason and Oglesby has set an example for law enforcement agencies throughout the state,” and “together their efforts ensure fairness in the criminal justice system while being ever vigilant protectors of our communities.”
Oglesby will be the first candidate to file for state’s attorney in Worcester officially, but former county prosecutor and current defense attorney Mike Farlow has made it clear he plans to vie for the top prosecutor post as well.
Officially, Mason already has company. Republican George Truitt filed for Worcester County Sheriff way back in June.
Other candidates to file for office in Worcester County already are incumbent District 1 County Commissioner Merrill Lockfaw, Jr. and Democratic challenger Tom Wilson in the District 5 County Commissioner seat, which will be vacated by incumbent Judy Boggs, who has announced she will not seek re-election.
In addition, incumbent Register of Wills Charlotte Cathell last week filed for re-election and incumbent Judge of the Orphan’s Court Linda Hess filed for re-election earlier this month.