New Lexington County sheriff picks top aides

The first changes made by new Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon include a mix of two insiders and one newcomer for his command team as well as a different approach to working with community groups.

The team announced Monday includes former State Law Enforcement Division agent Gregg Shockley as chief deputy for law enforcement, long-time deputy Butch Reynolds remaining chief deputy for administration and detention, and deputy John Jones named a major in charge of overseeing daily operations of the 500-member staff.

A legal adviser is yet to be selected, with Rich Roberson staying until the choice is made.

Koon also is creating a community action team of deputies who will work with churches, civic groups and other organizations on crime prevention.

“We need to get back to better serving the community and building relationships,” he said.

The six-member team will meet with groups to develop ways to deal with neighborhood problems and assist with local improvement projects, working in cooperation with resident deputies assigned to areas.

Capt. Mark Jones, a deputy since 1987, was put in charge of the new effort.

The plan is similar to what’s done in neighboring Richland County and among some other Midlands police forces.

This story was originally published May 4, 2015 at 4:58 PM with the headline "New Lexington County sheriff picks top aides."