North Georgia Sheriff Suspended for 60 Days Over Alleged Misconduct
TOWNS COUNTY, GEORGIA — Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has suspended Towns County Sheriff Kenneth Henderson for 60 days after a special investigative committee recommended disciplinary action over allegations of misconduct.
The suspension, announced Wednesday, follows a month-long review by a panel of state officials that included other sheriffs and Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr.
Governor Acts on Committee Recommendation
In September, Governor Kemp established a committee to investigate unspecified allegations involving Sheriff Henderson. After completing its review, the committee advised that Henderson be suspended pending further inquiry.
A spokesperson for the governor’s office confirmed the recommendation was accepted and that the suspension took effect immediately. “Governor Kemp takes allegations of misconduct seriously and will continue to uphold accountability across Georgia’s law enforcement agencies,” the statement said.
Details of Allegations Not Yet Released
Officials have not disclosed the nature of the alleged misconduct, citing ongoing review procedures. Neither the Towns County Sheriff’s Office nor Henderson has issued a public statement regarding the suspension.
The Georgia Sheriffs’ Association, which was notified of the action, stated that the decision followed the standard process outlined in state law, which allows the governor to suspend elected sheriffs if credible allegations of wrongdoing are presented.
Community Response and Next Steps
Residents of Towns County, located in the northeastern corner of the state near the North Carolina border, expressed surprise at the announcement. Henderson, who has served as sheriff since being elected in 2020, is well known in the small mountain community.
Local officials said the sheriff’s department will continue to operate normally under the supervision of its senior deputies while the suspension remains in effect. No interim sheriff has been publicly named.
Governor Kemp’s office has not confirmed whether additional disciplinary measures or criminal proceedings are being considered at this time.
Broader Scrutiny of Law Enforcement Conduct
The suspension comes as several law enforcement agencies across Georgia face increased scrutiny following allegations of misconduct in recent years. The move signals a continued effort by state leaders to maintain transparency and public trust in local policing institutions.
While Sheriff Henderson’s case remains under investigation, the governor’s office emphasized that final decisions will depend on the results of the ongoing review.
Do you believe public officials should be suspended during investigations into alleged misconduct? Share your thoughts on accountability in law enforcement at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
