Editor, The Transcript:

Back in the first week of June I returned home to find I had been broken into and robbed. All of my valuables were gone and my house trashed.

The Cleveland County Sheriffs Deptment was notified and within six hours I had 95 percent of my belongings back. A vehicle was seen days earlier leaving my residence. A description of that vehicle led to the identity of the prime suspect. Deputy Abbott himself worked the case hands on, instead of turning it over to the "investigators."

He and the other deputies, by the next day, had recovered 99 percent of my belongings as well as other victims belongings whom had been burglarized during the same time frame.

My letter is to inform the residents of Cleveland County that certain people are complaining about the man hours and hiring of new deputies. If my case had been handed over to the investigators, we all know where we would be ... still waiting on answers.

Because of Sheriff Lester''s decision to allow his deputies to work these cases themselves, I got my things back. If the county wants to cut man hours, lets start with the county "clock-milkers" that set around and watch other people do the work while they draw a paycheck.

We need the continuing excellence that Sheriff Lester has brought to Cleveland County. I thank Deputy Abbott from the bottom of my soul for his persistence in getting my belongings back. If not for Sheriff Lester allowing him to work it hands on, we would be just a piece of paper in a file cabinet. Please support Sheriff Lester and his wonderful "posse." They are really awesome.

I live in Lexington, just south of the Sheriff's sub-station on Highway 77. I am proud and feel safer knowing that these deputies will get the job done, without an investigators filing system. Once again, sincere thanks to Sheriff Lester and the Deputies at Hwy 77 sub-station and God Bless you all.

Anson Otwell Lexington