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Why the DeSoto County sheriff chose the Marines, when he feels most alive and more

By , Daily Memphian Updated: November 22, 2025 10:10 AM CT | Published: November 21, 2025 4:00 AM CT

Thomas E. Tuggle II was elected as the sheriff of DeSoto County in 2023, making history by several accounts as the first Black sheriff to serve the county since 1873.

Tuggle brings more than 30 years of law enforcement experience to the office, having served as a U.S. Marine and retiring as a lieutenant colonel from the Mississippi Highway Patrol.

The Daily Memphian spoke with Tuggle to learn more about the man behind the badge.

This is an excerpt of this story. To read more, please click here and subscribe.

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DeSoto County Sheriff Thomas Tuggle U.S. Marine Corps Law Enforcement Loose Ends Subscriber Only

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Brandon LaGrone II

Brandon LaGrone II

Brandon LaGrone Jr. is a Bluff City native who has earned an undergraduate degree in journalism from LSU’s Manship School. He’s written for publications including The (Baton Rouge) Advocate and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

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