WILSON’S MILLS – A former Johnston County deputy sheriff has announced plans to seek the Republican nomination for Johnston County Sheriff. Randy Ackley, a 23-year law enforcement officer, made the announcement on Thursday.
“It’s time for new leadership and a new direction in the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office. We need a Sheriff who will modernize the agency and focus on improving public safety across the county,” said Mr. Ackley. “This campaign will emphasize the need to increase the number of deputies on patrol throughout the day across the county. I will talk about the critical need to improve in-service training programs to improve the professionalism within the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office.”
“We need a Sheriff who will look to the future and will be an advocate for efficient, effective law enforcement services across our county,” stated Mr. Ackley. “We need to reinstate the Narcotic Unit to its full strength and bring back the Drug Interdiction Team. By doing so it will curb the flow of fentanyl and opioids that are prevalent in our county.”
Fraud will be another area of focus. “Johnston County businesses and families are losing more than $3 million dollars a year in fraud schemes ranging from organized shoplifting to BitCoin schemes preying on our senior citizens. We need a Sheriff who will modernize our agency and bring technology to the table to help protect our citizens,” said Mr. Ackley.
“Law enforcement is a passion. I will bring a new energy, a new direction, and a new leadership team to the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office. I have the greatest appreciation for Sheriff Bizzell, but I also know that it’s time for new leadership who can do a better job protecting the citizens of Johnston County,” said Mr. Ackley.
Mr. Ackley was born in Fremont, Michigan. In 2002, he moved to Johnston County. He graduated from the Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) program at Johnston Community College in December 2002. He started his law enforcement career with West-Tek Company Police, where he worked in various housing authorities across North Carolina, including Durham, Smithfield, Selma, and Benson. After nearly a year with West-Tek, he was hired by the Four Oaks Police Department and later joined the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office in 2006.
At the Sheriff’s Office, Randy initially served in the Patrol Division and was eventually promoted to Detective in the Property Crimes Division. He advanced to the Major Crimes Division, where he stayed until March 2025. During his tenure, he received several accolades from the Johnston County District Attorney’s Office, including Detective of the Month and Detective of the Year for 2015.
Randy and his wife, Jamie, reside in the Wilson’s Mills community, where they have two teenage sons. He is an active member of Wilson’s Mills Baptist Church and participates in the Fraternal Order of Police, where he previously served as president. Additionally, he is involved in the Johnston County Republican Party.
Surprised to see this news! As the times I have seen and spoken to Mr. Randy at JD’s country store He isn’t a very nice person and always acted like I inconvenienced him by speaking to him. So with that being said I know who my vote will be for.
And I had occasion to talk with Steve Bizzle at the courthouse last year, and from the start he was courteous, interested, and pleasant to me. He has my vote.
Agreed
Well he ain’t from here he’s from up north in Michigan. Just another Northerner wanting to move here and try to make the South like they do things up North. Unacceptable.
What a Nut
What a bootlicker
Sounds like he has a massive ego and mouth. Steve has done an amazing job for 2 decades.
Term limits.
There seems to be a few details left out. Didn’t he work at several other agencies during his police career? Seems like I remember him quitting the sherriffs department a few times only to come back over and over. Can anyone clarify?
Steve is and will always be our sheriff he keeps johnston county safe and the deputies stay proactive there isn’t any racism or anything of that nature all the sheriff deputies which is under Steve’s command are flat out the best in the state if you wrong you wrong no matter the race or gender and they stand by that Steve isn’t going anywhere no time soon
Is your period tab missing on your keyboard? Are you Jerry? Nice post it is just weird reading something without using a period to end a sentence all good though be well
Ironically, you missed two periods and a capital I.
I have seen a lot of LEO’s run against Sherrif Bizzell, Steve does a really great job for community, and Mr. Ackley might be really good at what he does. I would have to say wait until Steve is ready to retire. I don’t want to see you waste your money on a campaign. God Bless you though.
I was busted for manufacturing and trafficking meth in 2012 and at the time I weighed 111 pounds Steve Bizzell and then one of the head narcotics officers ****** ******* came through to pass out bags in the jail for Christmas. Steve was standing right beside ****** when I stopped him I said ****** you’ve hated me my whole god***n life and it’s true. They’ve always had a vendetta against the Hill family, but I’d like to thank you and shake your god***n hand cause you probably save my f**king life.
I was 111 pounds when y’all busted me well I appreciate it cause you probably save me.
I’ll vote for anybody besides Steve Bizzel godd***nit f**k it. and before anybody wants to post some bulls**t about me well I ain’t got a god***n thing to hide from nobody h*ll I cooked meth didn’t even sell it. I’d give it away reckon that’s what I’ve heard said bef and well I am still a drug addict. I did 11 to 15 years mystic away everything I f**king love in life. My whole family is in federal prison and irruined my life the day before I got busted I had a ultrasound I was having a little boy with the next morning, I was in cuffs. It’s ruined my life. I still use it because I’m a drug addict and well it’s hard out here. Life sucks and it’s cheaper than buying Red Bull every morning, but I never sold no kids. I don’t steal the support my habit.since I’ve been home. I ain’t sold. No dope and i ain’t cooked no god***n dope and I never will again but if you know anything about addiction well it’s hard, but I don’t hide nothing from no god***n body so before anybody posting bulls**t about me, I’m gonna put it out there. I’m a drug addict, but what can I say? I don’t steal to support my habit. I work every god***n hour. I can. I’ve been hungry starving homeless freezing and every god***n thing else since I’ve been out of prison everybody I love either in prison I told on the ones that are I could’ve told on somebody and watch my son grow up, but it don’t feel right taking the next man from his family because I got caught.
I did my god***n time 21 years old I got sent to more time than anybody ever been sentenced for cooking meth inJohnston County. I got 130 to 177 months. H*ll my lawyer Brian Knott told me it’s open please I said help I can’t sign I might as well go to trial come back he said look still open please. I’ve talked to the judge Tom Locke and the DA Paul Jackson and if you sign it, they won’t box Corey you’ll get the minimum for traffic. You’ll do 70 to 93 months they ain’t boxcar he said f**k no Adam that’s not gonna happen. I said let me talk to my brother I told my brother I said bro I reckon it’s 70 months and that go to trial he said f**k it bro sign it we get to court time. Lock said well you had to do 793 department corrections at the expiration of that you do 1684 I said hold the f**k up this ain’t what the f**k you said he said Adam calm down you can’t say that I said bulls**t this ain’t what the f**k you told me and Paul I mean why not said I can I speak to my client outside for a moment we went out there he said Adam it’s only 11 years. It’s not that bad. I said not that bad h*ll I’ve had a sense since I’ve been born. I mean since I’ve been locked up, I said if it ain’t that bad, you got 11 years he said calm down just let me go see if they forgot her agreement. I’ll see what’s going on. They put me in a hole sale. I sat there for hours waiting finally called my name and I think I’m going back to court. They don’t put my knees in a chair taking a kill yourself as a whole I ain’t done court. I gotta get back in court. I said they told me to take you back to the block so I went back to the block. I was on the way to Central prison 23 years old they f**ked me. They knew they was gonna f**k me, but it is what it is h*ll that was supposed to file my MAR but he told my brother he’s like I need his discovery back and I will file.
My brother took the discovery back up there and help Brian not quit answering the phone for he avoided him. My brother went to the courthouse looking for him and everything else and they forgot about me. I did every f**king day of my time. H*ll, I’m miss my son‘s whole childhood. Maybe I was wrong for being a solid gun taking my time and doing it like a man, but I don’t think so but I sure would love to watch my son grow up, but I made my choices is what it is. I ain’t cook no dope. I sold no dope no matter how bad it’s been this past year. it’s been hard, but I learned my god***n lesson and I don’t wanna go back to prison, but there’s a lot of crooked s**t that goes on. F**k him vote for anybody but Steve, if you ask me and I’m just keeping it real that’s all I know how to be if a motherf***ers got a problem with it god***nit somebody stopped me cause I ain’t lied yet. Motherf***er wants to know about me ask I don’t hide s**t from nobody but I sleep good at night just so just say y’all know like I said I’m a drug addict. What can I say?
Life sucks sometimes and it keeps me getting out of f**king bed and f**king trying every f**king day when otherwise I just lay there and die and it’s cheaper than Red Bull. God***n, it is what it is. My name is Button Junior if you got a problem with it. I’m around Brogden. Come find me.
Holy yap
No thank you.
I’m Tony Southerland. By God’s divine plan I am Randy’s father-in-law. I’ve known Randy for 18 plus years. My first impression was greatly impacted when Randy came to me and asked my permission to ask our daughter Jaime to marry him. Randy’s love for God , his family, Johnston County, and our country make him the best option to lead our Sheriffs Department into the future. I have great respect for Steve and the job he has done for us for decades. This is not about Steve, but about the opportunity for us to elect a sheriff that will build on the successes of our past while bringing his tremendous passion for law enforcement to the office. Randy’s personal and professional integrity are beyond reproach. His love and passion for law enforcement, the men and women who wear the badge, and the citizens they serve and protect make up his shining star. Take advantage of this opportunity to read Randy’s platform and if possible, meet him and let him know how you feel and what your concerns are.
Respectfully,
Tony Southerland
Johnston County may have problems but Steve address these problems. Randy Ackley, talk is cheap as is the promises and Steve has kept his. Steve is the best Sheriff this county has ever seen and anyone who says they will do a better job is only running his mouth.
I have known many deputies. They are always professional. Yes, we do need more on patrol. We need more in narcotics. We need more in special victims. Tech upgrades would be lovely. Steve has done a good job. I don’t know Ackley. I am sure he is a good man, but that don’t mean he is right for Sheriff. So far most of the people supporting Ackley are fired deputies or law enforcement that quit or were friends of Ron Johnson.
That’s a very good point! It seems there are several that have been fired or allowed to resign because of personal conduct. This county doesn’t want them back if that’s the case! Some of them have even been charged with crimes!
I forgot to add that if Randy Ackley worked under Danny Toppings in Four Oaks, then he was not much of a cop.
He said a lot of words but absolutely no substance.
Why can’t we put a citizen in there that has no experience in law enforcement? Isn’t that what trump has done in all the agencies in the federal government I would love to have that job and if your not a law biding citizen in Johnston county then we will send you to wake county and you want be allowed back in Johnston county
Interesting that Mr. Ackley and David Marshburn have “gotten to know each other over the past few years”, during the time Marshburn was trying to be sheriff and spreading outright lies about the sheriffs department. Surely someone with such morals and integrity would have corrected these lies, right?
Randy is my SIL since 2008. He is devoted to the Law Enforcement community. I can’t believe the undercut comments from those that don’t know him & what he stands for.
I know that i am biased … but I know him well & have confidence in his future desire to serve this county. Get to know him & respect his decision to do the best for our county.
All these negative commenters need to hop off Steve’s meat wagon. It’s time for a change!
You need my help Sheriff
I like Steve, he gave me and my Co-Work a full campaign speech at the fuel pump a few years back. If it is not broke don’t fix it, other than the Deputies having a meeting at the fuel pump. We really need Krispy Kreme in JoCo for them guys. However, professionally they seem to be a good team. They have met the demand with the rapid growth of the County. Crime, nor drugs will stop with Clayton being considered a small Metropolitan area. Keep up the good work.
It will be hard to beat Sheriff Bizzell. He’s been around for a long time. I really think that the only time he will not be Sheriff is when he wants to hang it up or the good Lord calls him home. He has been a great Sheriff. Of course some things can be improved, as goes with anything you do, but a lot of it comes down to money and support. Do you see that the money and support is there for new initiatives is a question that has to be asked.
Randy has worked for Clayton PD also. Not sure of why he left or if there are any other agencies he worked for. I’m sure he would be a good Sheriff if elected, but it’s going to be tough for him to beat out Sheriff Bizzell.
I have lived in JOCO all my life. I don’t know this candidate, but I like someone that has stayed with what they do and do the best at they can. Sounds like this candidate has worked a lot of different places, which I admit also gets him exposure to different sides of law enforcement, but I like continuity. I personally know Steve and believe he is similar to me as far as morals, traditions and beliefs. The things Mr. Ackley is talking up most all cost money and a lot of it, which I believe Steve does the best with the budget he has that he can. Like another poster said, Steve will get my vote until he isn’t an option any longer.
I’ve known Randy for many years and have worked alongside him many times. He’s not one for playing political games or speaking in empty words—he’s straightforward and honest. If he says he’ll do something, he follows through. Maybe that’s exactly what this county needs right now.
Our county is headed in the wrong direction, and a big reason why is the politicians currently in office who continue to allow it. It’s time we start electing everyday people—people who truly understand what it’s like to be the “little guy.”
Yes, Steve Bizzell has contributed a lot to this county over the years. But when did public office become a place to retire from? We need to stop believing that the officials currently in office are looking out for us—because they’re not. They’re looking out for themselves.
I fully support Randy in this campaign and will proudly vote for him. It’s time for fresh ideas and new ways of getting things done.
Political games would including aligning with someone who publicly lied and spread accusations that he couldn’t back up about the sheriffs department Mr. Ackley was working for at the time during the last election. Just because he says he’ll run a “clean campaign” doesn’t mean he won’t have (and has) others spreading the lies and doing all his dirty work on FB! Real Talk!
Now that there appears to be some friends and family of Mr. Ackley commenting in support of him can anyone clarify why he quit the sheriffs department 3 different times only to go to other departments twice before coming back and asking the sheriff for his job back? Just curious because usually that’s a red flag that shows no true commitment as mentioned. It take a heck of a boss to allow someone to come back thats left multiple times.
You literally have no clue what you are talking about! He was ASKED to come back, every single time! Know you facts before you open that mouth! You sound like the red flag
Known Steve since he was a young man and he’s done a lot for the county and the sheriff’s department. Always been nice and friendly when I see him. He’s got my vote.
Button Hill, you said alot, what? I have no idea, but you said alot.
If Randy is a Republican then he will have to win a primary against Our Sheriff to get on the ticket? Or will he run as a Democrat? When will the primary be? May 2026?
Susan Gerrell Crocker
Negativity is not needed here. That is what is wrong with this entire country. Let me say it Johnston County way (Wacked out, negativity, Hateten on everybody because you isn’t that body). This is a man running for an office to enhance his career, his family, while protecting the community obviously a passion he has. Putting his life in harms way something 98% of you running your flipper would not think of doing. No matter who is in office who is not why cant it be Congratulation’s Randy, Congratulation’s Steve, we wish you both the best. Nothing but Downers all the time what a sad life. Be happy for other people and stop judging. Only ONE sits on that seat THE HIGH THRONE you don’t have that right.
Don’t worry
Be happy
In every life we have some trouble
But when you worry you make it double
Don’t worry
Be happy, don’t worry, be happy now
woooohoooo hoooo hooo hooo hhoooo…
Congratulation’s Randy don’t know you but good luck. I wish you and Steve the best.
Reading the comments of fellow JOCO citizens has been refreshing. Thank you to each respondent who made their comments and signed their name.
Randy Ackley has my vote. I have voted for Steve in the past and consider him a friend of my family. If Randy had not been called by God to run for sheriff then I would be voting for Steve. Some are posting negative things about both men. My recommendation is to get to know both men and make up your own mind. I know both men and respect both men. I will cast my vote for Randy Ackley because of God’s direction…
Alright there Joseph Smith ! Steven Blizzard has also been ordained by God to be the keeper of the soft serve . At least to the RJPCP he has .
Steve has done everything mentioned and more – Steve will always be the JCS until he retires – TEAM BIZZELL !!!!
Well it’s obvious the burning question has been avoided so I did a little digging. YES Mr. Ackly quit the sheriffs department (#1) and went to Wilson’s mills PD briefly before crawling back to the sheriffs department for his job back. A few years later Mr. Ackly quit AGAIN (#2) and went to Clayton police briefly before crawling back AGAIN to the sheriffs dept where he was surprisingly allowed to return at the same rank that he left from (and just resigned from)! Now here we are at #3 where’s he’s quit AGAIN to run for sheriff! Now the kicker is that each time he left there were apparent underhanded comments made about the sheriff on facebooks pages CLOSELY associated with Mr. Ackly yet he still tucked tail and came back! Ol Bizzel must not be that bad after all!
Exactly 👍
You clearly have NO clue what you are speaking of! Randy NEVER once “came crawling back anywhere” he was ASKED to come back, each and every single time! And if you need to know…HE RESIGNED(this last time, he didn’t QUIT)! Wish ppl on here knew their facts before they get on here running their mouth and making their self look completely ignorant! Like you!!
That is laughable at best! Let Randy say out of his own mouth that he was asked to come back after the first two times he quit! If that were the case, he would have mentioned that, and the other departments he worked at in his announcement article instead of purposely leaving out those small details! Not very transparent!
Resign = Quit. It doesn’t matter if it’s the first, second, or third time you do it!
Yes he quit, but it was either that or you’re fired.
It’s my understanding that the Sheriff at some point told his family that he was going to retire and not run again. Perhaps he will address that at some point. I do understand people who have been on the Bizzell team continuing to support their friend. What I don’t understand is innuendo and vague accusations that people will post without the courtesy and courage to do it under their own name. Randy has stated his respect for our sheriff but at the same time he has seen firsthand areas of officer safety, efficiency, and professionalism that need to go to a higher standard. My recommendation is that if indeed Steve is running again that we all listen and allow each man to lay out and explain his plan for our county’s number one law enforcement agency. At age 66, I believe, Steve is still a young man and fully capable of doing his job. However, at some point soon change will happen. Randy’s willingness to run and if elected to serve gives us the opportunity to decide if now is the time. I believe that it is Make it your business to seek out Randy Ackley and ask him yourself why he wants to make this sacrifice. Our sheriff’s department doesn’t need to be about politics as usual but should be about leadership and developing personal and policy to meet the challenges of our county’s future.
Tony Southerland