Thomas County Sheriff Carlton Powell

THOMASVILLE, Ga. — A former Thomas County/Thomasville Narcotics/Vice Division commander relieved of duties in mid-April has resigned from the Thomas County Sheriff’s Office.

Kevin Lee’s resignation is effective June 23, Thomas County Sheriff Carlton Powell said Tuesday.

Lee’s letter of resignation, submitted to the sheriff, said he is resigning “due to personal reasons, job opportunities and incredible stress related to working drugs and supervising a drug unit.”

Lee wrote, “I’ve put my all into this work” and that he “did my best to battle drugs, gangs and violence.”

Lee expressed appreciation to the sheriff’s office for what it did for him and his family. “I believe I served the citizens of Thomas County with all my heart.”

Powell described Lee as “a very aggressive drug man and supervisor.”

The sheriff removed Lee two months ago as drug squad commander, citing a new direction the agency would take.

In February 2015, Lee was charged with driving under the influence. He was suspended as commander for 30 days and reinstated.

On Wednesday, Lee said, “I think it’s time now to concentrate on my family and find a job where I can spend more quality time with my family.”

Lee, who joined the drug squad in 1996, and served as commander for 13 years, said he probably spent more time on the job than at home in the two decades he worked with the agency.

“A lot of people don’t realize how stressful and dangerous that job is,” he told the Times-Enterprise.

“I would like to thank, first and foremost, the sheriff, Carlton Powell, for supporting me always,” the former commander said.

Lee said he is grateful to narcotics/vice employees and to the Thomasville-Thomas County Drug Commission for its support in combating drugs.

Powell said that since Lee was removed as commander, he has used accumulated leave time.

“I personally appreciate what he did for the Thomas County Sheriff’s Office and the citizens of Thomas County in combating the drug culture,” the sheriff said.

Powell added that Lee displayed a positive attitude “and dealt with the facts.”

“I wish him well in the days ahead,” the sheriff said.

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820.