Prosecutors dropped four theft charges against Clayton County Sheriff Victor Hill Friday, leaving 28 of the original 37 counts that accuse him of using his office for personal gain.
Clayton County Superior Court Judge Albert Collier had dismissed five charges concerning Hill’s use of campaign funds last fall. The charges prosecutors dropped Friday were allegations that Hill required on-duty Sheriff’s Office employees to work at fundraisers for his failed 2008 re-election campaign, events that happen too far in the past to be included in the indictment returned in January 2012.
A large jury pool of 350 have been called to report Monday for a trial on two counts of racketeering, 22 counts of theft by taking, two counts of making a false statement and and one charge each of influencing a witness and violation of oath of office.
Collier handed down a few more rulings aimed at making sure the jury would not be influenced during the trial. He said Hill can wear his badge during his trial but he can’t wear his uniform.
He also said Hill must stop the “robocalls” to residents but a table in the courthouse lobby advertising a free cell phone alert system with a message from the sheriff can stay.
The judge also said uniformed Sheriff’s Office employees can sit in the courtroom.