Inmate: Fallen MBN Agent Lee Tartt changed my life

A letter from a state inmate serving time for drug charges gives an example of the impact fallen MBN Agent Lee Tartt had on the world, even the convicts.

This week, The Clarion-Ledger received a letter from Teddy McRaney, a Grenada County state inmate, about Tartt, who was killed in a standoff in Tishomingo County that also left three other MHP SWAT team members in the hospital.

Mississippians came out of the woodwork to mourn Tartt, most with stories of his kindness and service. McRaney said he worked under Tartt's father, Buddy Tartt, at the Mississippi Department of Transportation.

"I am writing this to offer a different perspective of a fallen hero and a fine man, the late MBN agent, Mr. Lee Tartt.

I am serving time for sale of cocaine. I worked as an inmate under his father, Mr. Buddy Tartt, at MDOT for 3 years. I got to know Lee during that time. One would think that a convicted drug dealer and an MBN agent wouldn't have much common ground. This wasn't the case because Lee took it upon himself to share with me  his beliefs of his job. He told me he didn't want to lock people up forever unless they deserved it. He told me that he hoped every person he busted would serve their time and get their lives together after being released. He said he wanted that for me. (Thank you Lee.)

I am a better person for having known Lee Tartt. If everyone in my situation had gotten the chance to know him, the world would have been a better place. God Bless the Tartt family and his law enforcement family. 

Teddy McRaney
Grenada County State Inmate."

Therese Apel - A letter I got from an inmate who was... | Facebook