Jeff Mann, Vernon Jones square off in sheriff’s race

Both candidates for DeKalb County sheriff have the same warning for voters: Make the wrong choice in Tuesday’s runoff election, and it could mean a return to the bad old days.

In an office with a history of corruption, including the murder of its incoming sheriff 14 years ago, next week’s election will help shape how the county is viewed, the candidates say.

Incumbent Sheriff Jeff Mann and challenger Vernon Jones advanced to the runoff after they emerged from a field of eight candidates vying to complete the term of former Sheriff Thomas Brown, who stepped down to run for Congress.