NCSO News

On Wednesday, March 19, 2025, Sheriff James E. Villanueva officially swore in Samuel Cobos as the newest Deputy Sheriff during a ceremony marked by camaraderie and support. Surrounded by his colleagues and accompanied by his girlfriend Ashleigh, Cobos took the oath of office, symbolizing his commitment to upholding the law and serving the community.

With over nine years of experience, including his tenure as a patrol sergeant and field training officer at the Reeves County Sheriff’s Office, Samuel brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership prowess to the Nolan County Sheriff’s Office.

He will be assigned to the Patrol Division, where his expertise will play a crucial role in advancing our agency’s mission. We are excited to welcome Deputy Sheriff Cobos aboard and are confident that his contributions will positively impact the communities of Nolan County.

Sheriff Villanueva extended his congratulations and encouraged Cobos to embrace the responsibilities that come with this esteemed position, emphasizing the importance of dedication and service in law enforcement. We wish Deputy Cobos every success in his new role.

In recent weeks, the Nolan County Sheriff’s Office has undergone significant changes as Sheriff James Villanueva prioritizes the filling of key vacancies. In an effort to bolster the agency, Sheriff Villanueva has welcomed three new deputies and four new jailers to the team. Two of the newly sworn deputies will focus on patrol duties, while the third is dedicated to managing civil process responsibilities.

Sheriff Villanueva officially promoted Jeffery Reed to the esteemed position of Criminal Investigator, a decision that reflects Reed’s dedication and expertise in law enforcement. In conjunction with this advancement, Stephen Smith II was hired and appointed as the Civil Process/D.A.R.E. Deputy, taking over the responsibilities formerly held by Deputy Sheriff Reed. These carefully considered appointments are designed to enhance the operational effectiveness of the agency, while also ensuring the continued success of the D.A.R.E. program in the Roscoe, Highland, and Blackwell school districts.

Notably, the Sheriff took the innovative step of administering the oath to the entire jail staff, a rare practice that underscores his dedication to fostering a unified and professional atmosphere within the office. This commitment not only enhances team morale but also improves the overall effectiveness of the agency in serving the Nolan County communities.

Sheriff David Warren swore in a new Deputy Sheriff on Wednesday, May 1, 2024. Brock Carter took the oath of office and received his Deputy Sheriff “Investigator” badge in the presence of his co-workers and friends, to commemorate this special occasion.

Brock graduated from the West Central Texas Council of Governments Law Enforcement Academy in 1991, and later began his law enforcement career with the Jones County Sheriff’s Office. In 1999, he joined the Nolan County Sheriff’s Office and was assigned to the Jail, where he worked as a jailer, before being promoted to Assistant Jail Administrator. He then was reassigned to Patrol and worked his way up to the level of Sergeant, until he left in 2015.

Brock then served as Chief of Police at the Texas State Technical College Police Department, in Sweetwater for several years before he retired in 2021. He then worked as a security officer at Rolling Planes Memorial Hospital, prior to returning to the Nolan County Sheriff’s Office.

Brock will be assigned to the Criminal Investigations Division, taking on the duty of Criminal Investigator. We’re excited to have Deputy Sheriff Brock Carter back as part of our team, as he brings years of knowledge and experience in law enforcement. We wish him the best and look forward to his service.

Nolan County Sheriff David Warren was one of many other Texas Sheriffs’ in a letter presented to Governor Abbott by the Sheriffs’ Association of Texas, requesting that our dangerous, chaotic “Texas Border Emergency,” be officially declared a United States Constitutional Crisis and Crimes Against Humanity and that the United States Government without delay assist in securing the border.