In a recent meeting of the Henderson County Commission, two former corrections officers, Corey Ivey and Austin Owen, addressed their past legal issues as part of their applications for law enforcement positions.

Corey Ivey, who has been employed with the Henderson County Sheriff's Department since March, discussed his guilty plea to disorderly conduct and simple possession stemming from a 2008 incident involving marijuana while he was 18 years old. Ivey clarified that he had completed all court-ordered requirements, including probation, and stated he has not engaged in any illegal substance use since that day. His honesty about the incident was acknowledged by the commissioners, leading to a unanimous motion to approve his application.

Austin Owen, who previously served as a corrections officer, also presented his case. He pled guilty to shoplifting in 2009 and DUI in 2012, both incidents occurring when he was in his late teens and early twenties. Owen expressed regret for his past actions, emphasizing that he has learned from his mistakes and has not committed any similar offenses since. He is currently employed with Lummis Armored Guard Service and is seeking a return to law enforcement.

Both candidates demonstrated accountability for their past actions, and the commission's approval reflects a willingness to consider rehabilitation and personal growth in the hiring process for law enforcement positions.