A longtime metro Atlanta sheriff is the intended nominee for a key federal law enforcement position.
Mike Yeager, sheriff of Coweta County since 1993, was announced Thursday by President Donald Trump as his choice to be U.S. Marshal for the Northern District of Georgia.
If confirmed by the U.S. Senate, Yeager would succeed Beverly Harvard, a former chief of the Atlanta Police Department who was nominated by President Barack Obama.
Georgia’s two U.S. senators both support Yeager for the job.
“Sheriff Yeager’s experience throughout so many facets of law enforcement demonstrates that he has the wisdom and expertise appropriate for a U.S. Marshal,” Sen. Johnny Isakson said in a statement. “I look forward to working with Sheriff Yeager through his Senate confirmation process.”
“Georgia is home to some of the most impressive law enforcement officers in the nation,” Sen. David Perdue said. “I applaud President Trump on nominating Sheriff Michael Yeager. He will serve our nation well and make Georgia proud.”
Yeager said he is grateful for the planned nomination.
“It’s been a huge honor to be nominated,” he told the Newnan Times-Herald.
The marshals service is the enforcement agency of the federal courts and the federal government’s top agency for investigating fugitives.
For instance, a man who allegedly shot and killed another man at a northwest Atlanta rooming house was captured last Tuesday by the U.S. Marshals Southern Regional Task Force.
If Yeager takes over the marshal job, Coweta County will hold a special election to complete his term.
Under state law, Chief Deputy James Yarbrough would become the interim sheriff until the vacancy is filled by election.
In other news:
About the Author
