SHERIFF

Matt Roberts is a native of Howell County, where he currently resides. He commenced his law enforcement career as a jailer with the Howell County Sheriff’s Office. Upon graduating from the Missouri Sheriff’s Association Training Academy, Matt assumed the role of a Reserve Officer with The West Plains Police Department. His grandfather, Dale Roberts, served as an Officer with The West Plains Police Department during the 1980s and early 1990s until his passing. 

In 2002, Matt founded Even Cut Lawn Care, LLC, and diligently expanded the business throughout his high school years and while attending the Missouri Sheriff’s Academy. Even Cut Lawn Care LLC continues to provide comprehensive services, including lawn care, landscaping, skid-steer service, snow removal, and more to West Plains and the surrounding areas. Transitioning to a part-time role with G.R. Martin and Associates in 2006, Matt contributed significantly to various operations under CEO Greg Martin's guidance. His roles included assisting in Insurance Fraud Investigations, Personal Security Details for numerous celebrity clients, civil process serving, and other company services. In 2009, Matt was chosen as a Team Member for the West Plains/Howell County S.W.A.T. Team, where he served as an Entry Officer, Door Breacher, and Designated Marksman. The year 2014 marked a shift in Matt's career as he resigned from the West Plains Police Department to accept a part-time Deputy position with the Howell County Sheriff's Office. Additionally, in the same year, he joined Shield Solutions, a firearms training and security company. Shield Solutions specializes in providing safe, state-approved training programs for businesses and schools, notably being the pioneer in arming staff members with concealed firearms in Missouri Public Schools. Transitioning to a full-time Patrol Deputy role in 2016 with the Howell County Sheriff's Office, Matt continued his dedication to law enforcement. He also co-founded the non-profit organization My Brother’s 6 with Greg Martin in 2016, aimed at raising funds to provide essential training, ammunition, protective equipment, and trauma medical supplies for law enforcement officers in underfunded Missouri police departments. 

Matt holds the distinction of being a Missouri POST approved law enforcement instructor across several disciplines, including firearms, active shooter response, tactical breaching, and live fire shoot-house operations. Recognized for his exceptional leadership qualities, Matt was appointed Assistant Team Leader of the West Plains/Howell County S.W.A.T. Team in 2018. His responsibilities increased in 2022 when he was promoted to Corporal in the Patrol Division, overseeing a team of 9 Patrol and Special Missions Division Deputies. Elevating further in 2023, Matt attained the rank of Lieutenant and temporarily served in the Jail Division before being slated for transfer to the Patrol Division as the Division Lead in 2024. In the same year, Matt made the decision to resign from his position as a Lieutenant with the Howell County Sheriff's Office and run for Sheriff of Howell County. Alongside his wife, Ashley, Matt resides in southern Howell County, where they are actively raising their two children, Charlie and Ellie. In his leisure time, Matt, together with his brothers, manages a small beef cattle farm. Matt and his family attend First Baptist Church in West Plains where he serves on the Men's Ministry committee and the Emergency Response Team.

Sheriff Matt Roberts was sworn in as the 33rd Sheriff of Howell County on December 31, 2024 and took office on January 1, 2025.