CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – A candidate for Montgomery County sheriff who is on the August ballot might not be eligible to run for the office, as he had a DUI conviction 35 years ago. But the candidate says he’s checked on the rules, and he is in the clear.
Johnny Ransdell, 55, is an independent candidate for sheriff with a 31-year law enforcement career. As part of the qualification process to run for sheriff in Tennessee, candidates have to submit paperwork to be certified by the Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission (P.O.S.T.).
Rules for running for sheriff
Candidates for sheriff have to be at least 25 years old, pass a psychiatric exam and have at least three years of full-time law enforcement experience, among several other qualifications. Also, they cannot have been convicted of any of several crimes, including violations of laws “relating to force, violence, theft, dishonesty, gambling, liquor or controlled substances.”
Ransdell signed the P.O.S.T. Affidavit for Election or Appointment to the Office of Sheriff that included that clause on Jan. 6, according to documents obtained from the state by Clarksville Now.
However, in his application to become a Clarksville Police officer, submitted on Jan. 15, 1994, Ransdell disclosed that he had a criminal conviction for DUI (driving under the influence) at Fort Campbell in August 1991, according to documents obtained from the city by Clarksville Now.
DUI when he was 21 years old
When reached on Wednesday, Ransdell acknowledged the DUI, which happened when he was in college: “1991, I’m 21 years old, I’m a lifeguard out at Fort Campbell, over all the swimming pools at that time at Fort Campbell. We had a get-together, and I was drinking beer. I was pulled over, and I received a DUI.”
In 1994, when he was hired by CPD, he was allowed a waiver for the DUI and was able to go to Police Academy and have a 31-year career that included time on the Fatal Accident Crash Team, Juvenile Engagement Team, Street Crimes Unit, Special Operations Unit and Major Crimes Unit.
“I’ll never lie about anything that I’ve done in my past. It’s my past, but I’ve done it and I’ll own up to it,” Ransdell said.
Is DUI under liquor law or traffic law?
He said the P.O.S.T. rule on laws relating to liquor doesn’t apply to DUI, which falls under traffic violations, not liquor violations. Liquor laws in Tennessee involve matters such as selling to minors and selling without a license. Ransdell said he discussed the issue with a P.O.S.T. representative, and he was told, “‘If you don’t hear back, don’t worry about it.’ And no one has ever gotten back,” despite several emails from Ransdell seeking confirmation.
“They never would have allowed me to complete the paperwork that I sent in to P.O.S.T. if there was a problem. And I was certified to be able to run in this campaign,” he said.
Wednesday afternoon, Clarksville Now reached out to P.O.S.T. for confirmation, and spokesman Kevin Walters replied, “While the P.O.S.T. Commission has always treated a DUI as a violation of the law relating to liquor, we have found no evidence of a DUI conviction.”
Montgomery County general election
The other candidates for sheriff are Mike Oliver and Dexter Mines. The three are running to replace Sheriff John Fuson, who has served 14 years in office. The Montgomery County General Election is Aug. 6, with early voting beginning July 17.