JONESBORO — Incumbent Sheriff Victor Hill appeared to win by a landslide against four other Democratic opponents, easily avoiding a runoff election.
Though facing multiple opponents, Hill, who often goes by “crime-fighter,” gained a third term as Clayton County sheriff as he landed 62.87 percent of the vote, with 9,103 of the 14,47 total votes cast in the race.
Coming in second place was Clarence Cox, who received 18.10 percent of the vote, with 2,621 ballots cast for him. Following Cox was Chris Pigors, who garnered 8.86 percent of the vote according to preliminary totals from the Clayton County Board of Election website.
The heated race for sheriff involved a challenge over Cox’s eligibility to run due to his residency being questioned.
A candidate must have lived in the county for two years. A Clayton County resident brought a legal challenge, claiming that Cox did not legally reside in Clayton County when he registered to vote and qualified for the election.
Hill is facing legal challenges of his own. The sheriff was arrested last May and charged with shooting a female friend inside a model home in Gwinnett County.
He has been indicted for reckless conduct, which is a misdemeanor. Even if he is convicted, he may not be in danger of losing his position.
Hill is no stranger to the courts.
He was indicted on 37 felony counts in January 2012. He was already an announced candidate for sheriff at that time, seeking a second non-consecutive term. As he was led from court to be booked into the jail he oversaw for four years — 2005-2009 — he vowed, “I’m still running for sheriff of Clayton County.”
Hill prides himself in Clayton County for allegedly having the lowest crime rate in metro Atlanta.
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