ATLANTA -- The lone candidate for sheriff in a suburban Atlanta county is poised to win the election despite facing a felony indictment. But the charges could ultimately lead to him being suspended or tossed from office.
Victor Hill lost his bid to be re-elected as Clayton County's sheriff in 2008. But he ran again and defeated the incumbent in a runoff in August. Now he's the only candidate on the ballot. And his only opposition is the current chief deputy, Garland Watkins, who has mounted an aggressive write-in campaign.
Hill could be tossed from office if convicted because state law says a sheriff cannot ever be convicted of a felony. His certification as a peace officer must be reinstated within six months of him taking office. And the governor could ultimately suspend him if the criminal case.
Associated Press