Houston County Sheriff Matt Moulton reflects on first year in office

Moulton says teamwork, accountability and community trust remain top priorities.

WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Houston County Sheriff Matt Moulton says his first year in office has been a journey of commitment, growth and learning as he continues his decades-long career in law enforcement.

Sheriff Moulton says after 31 years in law enforcement, the transition into his new role has been smooth overall. One of the challenges he has encountered includes balancing personal matters with administrative responsibilities, along with updating deputy uniforms that had been in use for more than 50 years.

“Learning how to manage the budget in the most efficient way, being a good steward of the taxpayers’ money — that’s been a challenge,” he said. “But look, I have a great team around me that was around Sheriff (Cullen) Talton for so many years, and they have guided me in a way that has made this a very smooth and seamless transition.”

Moulton says becoming sheriff was not a milestone he originally envisioned for himself. However, after receiving feedback and encouragement from the late Sheriff Talton, he reconsidered and attended the sheriff’s-elect academy.

“It really hit me just how special this was, and just how fortunate I am to be in the position to be the sheriff of Houston County,” he said.

Following Sheriff Talton’s 52 years of service, Moulton says he did not feel pressure stepping into the role.

“Sheriff Talton had a way of leading this office,” he said. “He believed in putting the right people in the right positions and then allowing them to do their jobs. And he was that way with me when I was his investigative captain. He allowed me to make decisions back there on what I thought was right and how things should be done. He just gave me support and the leeway to do those things.”

Sheriff Moulton says he credits a drop in homicides in the county to his deputies and leadership team. He adds the sheriff’s office maintains high standards during the hiring process across several positions.

“The reputation of not getting away with things in Houston County has benefited us,” he said. “If you come here and commit crime, we’re going to catch you and you’re going to be prosecuted.”

Sheriff Moulton says moving forward, he wants to continue increasing community trust and transparency within the sheriff’s office. He says he wants residents to know their deputies will do the right thing and protect Houston County.