This week, Building Texas takes you on a road trip to Real County. In Leakey, Texas, we enjoy a conversation with Sheriff Nathan Johnson about rural living, the challenges posed by a 10X spike in population every summer, and the increasing impact of smuggling in this region of Texas. Whether you're a fan of the Frio River or have recently discovered the Nueces River valley, this is a conversation that will pique your interest. Gain a fresh perspective before your next road trip to experience the renowned Twisted Sisters.

Nathan was born into a large, busy family of seven children. The home was always a welcome haven to other less- fortunate children, and a gathering place for his father’s educational colleagues and business associates. At age seventeen, Nathan joined the United States Marine Corps and spent eight years in military service. While serving in the Marine Corps, Nathan attained a college degree in education and he followed in his father’s footsteps by setting up learning centers in several states for children and for “down and out” illiterate adults going through substance abuse rehabilitation. Nathan earned advanced degrees in Psychology and Christian Counseling. During this time, he served as a licensed administrator of a residential child care facility and boarding school for troubled teens.

In addition to his administrative and educational duties at the school, Nathan developed the Paladin program, an adventure-based education program designed to help teen’s self-esteem and build confidence through strength and experience. Later Nathan followed his childhood dream and became educated and licensed as a Master Peace Officer by the State of Texas. He has earned multiple proficiency and instructor certifications and has accumulated over 5,000 hours of Continuing Education in Criminal Justice, Emergency Management Studies, and Forensic Hypnosis.

For several years, he has been a guest lecturer at Hardin Simmons University’s Criminal Justice Department and worked with USA Investigations as a Licensed Private Investigator. Nathan served as a Captain for the Uvalde County Sheriff Department, and became a Special Investigator for the District Attorney’s Office serving Uvalde, Real, and Medina Counties. Nathan has testified in Local, State, and Federal Courts. He has presented cases to the Grand Jury, and he has been the lead investigator in homicides, Mexican Mafia and Texas Syndicate cases, and organized crime investigations along the border area. Nathan served as Chief of Police in Winters, Texas for five years and is currently the elected Sheriff of Real County.

Lions International Member

American Legion Member

Boy Scouts of America Post Leader

Volunteer for American Red Cross