A fourth generation lifelong resident of Jackson County, John Ledbetter’s law enforcement roots run deep. Continuing the legacy of his grandfather Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter who served from 1976 – 1984, John felt a calling to law enforcement at an early age. He was raised in Jackson County and graduated from Pascagoula High School before attending William Carey College to study Finance and Economics. His extensive law enforcement career began as a deputy with the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department in 2001 and also includes service with the City of Pascagoula Police Department as Lieutenant, Sergeant, Motorcycle Traffic Officer, and Patrolman.

On January 3, the Jackson County Board of Supervisors appointed John as Sheriff of Jackson County to fill the unexpired term of Mike Ezell, who was recently elected to U.S. Congress.

John is an active and involved community leader. A former chairman of the Gulf Regional Planning Commission in Biloxi, Miss., he currently serves as commissioner of the Jackson County Emergency Communications District. He’s on the Board of Directors for the Pascagoula Rotary Club, a graduate of Leadership Jackson County, a member of the Pascagoula Elks Club, and an associate member of the Jackson County Republican Women. Notably, in 2019, John graduated from the 275th session of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia.

He lives in Hurley with his wife Lisa, a teacher in the Jackson County School District, and daughter Carley, age 14. They are members of Hurley Baptist Church.