The Cherokee County commissioners appointed Eddie Lee, a 59-year-old Jacksonville resident, to the position at its regular meeting Monday morning.
Lee worked as a crime-scene investigator and patrol officer in Fort Worth before moving to Cherokee County three years ago. Since living there, he has worked part time as a Jacksonville Police Department dispatcher.
"I've been a police officer so long and I think they needed someone that I guess you'd say would be honest, uphold the job and be respectful," Lee said. "I felt like I could do that."
Cherokee County Judge Chris Davis said Lee's experience and track record of commendations set him apart from the other five applicants.
"He seems to be a very professional man," Davis said. "Everything he had in (his application) was outstanding."
The former Precinct 3 Constable, 37-year-old Randall "Randy" Lee Thompson, was appointed as a deputy constable and then elected to the position in 2004 as the only candidate for the position.
Thompson resigned Jan. 18 after he was charged with selling methamphetamine-making chemicals. Thompson pleaded guilty to the charged March 7 and faces up to 20 years in prison. He was caught on tape discussing the sales, as well as threatening to kill or hurt others, including law enforcement officers, traveling to Mexico and planning illegal activities.
Prior to the drug charges, a petition was filed by a Cherokee County resident asking for Thompson's removal from office.
The petition, signed by 24 residents of Precinct 3, alleged that Thompson failed to serve legal papers in a timely manner, seize and impound animals, submit monthly reports to the county treasurer and Commissioners Court or serve as a bailiff for the Precinct 3 justice of the peace court.
Lee said Thompson's actions were part of the reason he decided to apply for the job.
"It's hard to see the people put their trust in somebody and then they turn around and become the bad guy themselves," he said. "It's despicable, there's no words for it really."
Precinct 3 Justice of the Peace James Morris said that after the problems he had with Thompson, he is thrilled to have someone new.
"This is a million percent better than what we had before," he said. "He is very respectful, very responsible and very dedicated."
Lee will earn $25,000 annually plus a gas allowance.
Lee will be sworn in at 9 a.m. Tuesday in the Cherokee County Courtroom.
Sara Foley covers Upshur, Cherokee & Rusk counties. She can be reached at 903.596-6266.
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