Georgia Governor Orders Investigation into Town's County Sheriff

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YOUNG HARRIS, Ga. — Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has ordered a special investigation into Town's County Sheriff Kenneth Henderson following allegations of misconduct, according to an executive order issued Monday.

The Georgia Sheriff's Association requested the investigation on Sept. 19, a day after Atlanta News First published an exclusive report featuring a body cam video of Henderson attesting a Hiwassee officer at the scene of a deputy's shooting. The governor has the authority to remove or suspend Henderson based on the 30-day investigation's outcome, which will involve a committee including the attorney general.

The executive order, signed by Kemp on Sept. 19, cites concerns that Henderson is not performing the duties required of his office due to the alleged misconduct. It establishes a committee, comprising Attorney General Christopher Carr, Sheriff Lenn Wood of Coweta County, and Sheriff Ezzel Brown of Newton County, to investigate the allegations.

The committee is tasked with submitting a report to the governor within 30 days of the order's issuance. The investigation stems from the association's authority, granted under Code Section 15-16-26, to appoint a committee to probe misconduct in a sheriff's office.

Kemp's order highlights the governor's vested authority to address such matters, potentially leading to further action against Henderson depending on the investigation's findings.