The Cleburne County Sheriff’s Office is dedicated to serving and protecting the citizens of Cleburne County, Alabama, through professional law enforcement, community engagement, and public safety initiatives. As the county’s chief law enforcement officer, the elected Sheriff leads a team of deputies, investigators, corrections officers, and staff responsible for enforcing state and local laws, investigating crimes, ensuring courtroom security, and managing the county jail. The Sheriff also oversees the service of legal documents such as subpoenas and eviction notices, coordinates emergency response efforts, and works collaboratively with other agencies to maintain public order. In addition to these core duties, the Sheriff’s Office prioritizes building strong community relationships through outreach programs, education, and transparent communication to promote trust and ensure the well-being of all residents, businesses, and visitors in Cleburne County.
The mission of the Cleburne County Sheriff’s Office is to enhance public safety and uphold the law with integrity, professionalism, and respect. We are committed to serving our community through proactive policing, ensuring the protection of life, property, and individual rights. With a focus on transparency, accountability, and community engagement, we strive to foster trust, reduce crime, and provide a safe environment for all residents and visitors in Cleburne County. Our deputies will always act with fairness, honor, and dedication to the principles of justice, while maintaining the highest standards of service and leadership.
For more information regarding the Enforcement Division, please contact the Chief Deputy.
For more information regarding the Administrative Division, please contact Chief Clerk Paula Roberson.
For more information regarding the Corrections Division, please contact Jail Administrator Clay Smith.
To report any crime occurring in Cleburne County, contact the Cleburne County 911 Dispatch at 256-463-8911 or in the event of an emergency, call 911.
To update an already filed report, you can call our office and speak with the Investigations Division at 256-463-2277 option 2.
To leave an anonymous tip, you can call: 256-463-2277 option 4.
Welcome to the official webpage of the Cleburne County Sheriff’s Office. As your Sheriff, it is my honor and privilege to serve the residents of Cleburne County with integrity, professionalism, and dedication.
I began my law enforcement career at the Heflin Police Department in 2004, driven by a deep passion for public safety and community service. I was fortunate to gain experience and knowledge while working with the Heflin Police Department and three years later, I was promoted to a Sergeant. From the beginning of my law enforcement career, I had the desire to one day become Sheriff of Cleburne County. Therefore, in 2010 I made a change in my career and became a Sheriff’s Deputy at the Cleburne County Sheriff’s Office. My duties at the Sheriff’s Office have varied over the years to include: Patrol Deputy, firearms instructor, glock armorer, evidence technician over firearms, auditing registered sex offender status’, and Chief Deputy.
Since taking office in 2022, I have focused on fostering a safe and thriving community by implementing proactive policing strategies, strengthening partnerships with local agencies, and promoting transparency within the Sheriff’s Office. My commitment is to ensure every resident feels heard, protected, and supported.
Outside of my role as Sheriff, I am a devoted father of three wonderful kids and husband to my wife, Kristina. We are active members of Freedom Baptist Church. In my free time, I enjoy coaching youth sports, hunting, fishing, and camping.
I am grateful for the trust you have placed in me and my team. Together, we will continue building a safer, stronger Cleburne County for generations to come. “Your Protection is my Priority.”
— Sheriff Jon Daniel
Chief Deputy Willingham began his law enforcement career in September 2005 with the Cleburne County Sheriff’s Department as a correctional officer. In October 2007, Willingham was promoted to a deputy sheriff assigned to the patrol division.
Over the years, Chief Deputy Willingham has served in multiple capacities in law enforcement with the Cleburne County Sheriff’s Department, City of Heflin Police Department, and the 7th Judicial Major Crimes Unit. His leadership ability, operational expertise, and dedication to public safety led to his appointment to Chief Deputy in August of 2025, where he now serves as second-in-command to the Sheriff.
In this role, he oversees day-to-day departmental operations, coordinates strategic planning, and ensures the continued development and training of personnel. Chief Deputy Willingham remains deeply committed to serving the citizens of Cleburne County with transparency, accountability, and honor.
Outside of duty, Chief Deputy Willingham is a devoted father and husband to his wife, Erica Willingham, and values the time spent with family outside the demands of law enforcement. When off the clock, he can often be found enjoying outdoor activities like fishing, hunting, and attending his children’s sporting events. He and his family attend Heflin Baptist Church.
Chief Clerk Paula Roberson is currently responsible for the administrative division of the Sheriff’s Department which consists of records supervision, managing the budget for the Sheriff daily, pistol permits, and sex offender registration.
Roberson has been employed since December 1997 and has served under four different Sheriffs for Cleburne County. She has completed many trainings and certifications in her career. She earned both her Bachelor of Science Degree in political science in 1997 and her Master of Science Degree in secondary education in 2000 at Jacksonville State University.
Roberson enjoys spending time in the beautiful forests of Cleburne County and the Talladega National Forest where she enjoys running and hiking especially on the Pinhoti Trail. She is married to Ronnie Roberson, and they enjoy spending time with family and friends.
Jail Administrator Clay Smith is currently responsible for the Jail Operations of the Cleburne County Sheriff’s Department.
Smith began his law enforcement career at the Cleburne County Sheriff’s Department in 2020 where he served as a Patrol Deputy then was promoted to the interim Jail Administrator in 2024 then took the position of Jail Administrator in January of 2025. Smith has completed many training and certifications in his career but most notably, he has attended and completed Jail Administration training. He also serves his community as a Firefighter at Heflin Fire Department.
Smith enjoys spending time with his wife, Baillie, and son Truett. He also enjoys his time with family and friends. He and his family attend the Church of the Highlands and are devoted Christians and servants to God.
