Posted: Nov 17, 2008 8:47 PM EST

By SHELBY BAKER
6 News Reporter

JACKSBORO (WATE) -- Rick Gilliam says drugs and other illegal activity have taken over his neighborhood in the Pinecrest community, just south of Jacksboro.

Gilliam went to the Campbell County Commission meeting Monday night to confront Sheriff Gary Perkins about the problem.

"Why is he wearing that shield, that shield is a shield of honor and integrity," said Gilliam.

Gilliam moved to the neighborhood two years ago. He's a member of its neighborhood watch program.

He said Monday he can see drug activity from his living room window just about every night.

Gilliam claimed Sheriff Perkins needs to do more to clean up the mess. "There are people who can't even leave their homes because they are afraid someone will break in."

During the meeting, Sheriff Perkins said Gilliam was exaggerating the problem and his accusations are unfounded.

"I am doing everything in my power to try and eradicate drugs in this county," said Sheriff Perkins.

Sheriff Perkins says he's tried to get involved in the community and even attended one of the neighborhood watch meetings.

But he says that ended up being a waste of time. "Of course, [Gilliam] invited the media and that contaminated my investigation. I couldn't get anything else done, so that is his problem. He created that."

Gilliam says if taking a stand makes him the bad guy, then so be it.

"I live in this county. I could leave, I could give in and say, 'You win.' But I am not giving up and I'm not quitting," said Gilliam.