ATLANTA — It's a little over a month until the expected release of an embattled ex-Clayton County sheriff who was sentenced to federal prison time after he was found guilty of violating inmates' civil rights.
Victor Hill's "projected release date" is April 26, which means he'll remain in the Federal Bureau of Prison until then.
He was recently transferred from federal prison to community confinement last week.
But, some may wonder if, after his release, the sheriff will be able to run again when the time presents itself.
The Question
Can ex-Clayton County Sheriff Victor Hill run again for sheriff after he is released from federal prison?
The Sources
The Answer
No, ex-Clayton County sheriff Victor Hill cannot run for office after he has served his time and been released from prison.
What we found
Atlanta-based trial lawyer Tom Church previously told 11Alive Hill cannot run for sheriff but might still be able to run for another elected office.
Georgia law under the state's General Assembly says that someone cannot qualify as a sheriff if they have been convicted of a felony or any offense involving "moral turpitude contrary to the law of this state, any other state or the United States."
Even if Hill were not convicted and pled nolo contende, he would still be disqualified for holding the office of sheriff again.
Hill was found guilty on charges of violating the Civil Rights of inmates while acting as sheriff by threatening detainees with extended time in the restraint chair if they repeated their criminal behavior.
This behavior falls under the moral turpitude contrary and is a felony violation.
According to Cornell Law School Legal Information Institute, Moral Turpitude is "wicked, deviant behavior that is considered immoral, unethical, or unjust departure."
More on the case
Victor Hill is a controversial figure in the metro Atlanta area, known for calling himself "The Crime Fighter" and using Batman imagery in his campaign ads and social media promotions.
In 2021, a 12-page federal indictment was unsealed, charging Hill with four felonies related to the violation of the civil rights of four Clayton County jail inmates. The indictment alleges that Hill directed the inmates to be strapped into restraint chairs for hours at a time, causing them physical and mental harm.
A new indictment was brought against Hill last March, adding two new charges to his criminal case. In one instance, a man arrested for allegedly pointing a gun at two men outside his home in Jonesboro was allegedly left strapped in the restraint chair for hours. Another man, who was compliant and never posed a threat to anyone, was also allegedly subjected to the same treatment.
Hill allegedly made derogatory comments to one detainee, telling him to leave the county and calling him a derogatory name. In another incident, he threatened detainees with extended time in the restraint chair if they repeated their criminal behavior.