RABUN COUNTY, Ga. — Candidate Mark Anthony Gerrells has been named the projected winner in the Republican runoff race for sheriff of Rabun County.
As there is no Democratic challenger, Gerrells will be the presumptive frontrunner for the position in November.
Rabun County Sheriff Chad Nichols, who lost reelection, was recently suspended by Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp after the governor issued an executive order on Friday.
This comes after Nichols turned himself in on May 31 on sexual battery and public indecency charges.
Kemp appointed a committee to investigate his arrest, which included Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr, Morgan County Sheriff Robert Markley and Jackson County Sheriff Janis Mangum. The committee had 30 days to prepare a report explaining why it recommended Nichols' suspension.
Last Friday, the appointed committee delivered its recommendation to Kemp that Nichols be suspended. Kemp suspended Nichols for 60 days, effective immediately.
In a post on Facebook, Gerrells thanked his supporters and shared his excitement for what lies ahead.
"Just want to say thank you guys for your love and your support," he stated.
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