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Georgia governor broadens scope of investigation into DeKalb sheriff

DeKalb County Sheriff Jeff Mann stands next to his lawyer Noah Pines during a press conference at the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office on Friday, May 12, 2017. HYOSUB SHIN / HSHIN@AJC.COM
DeKalb County Sheriff Jeff Mann stands next to his lawyer Noah Pines during a press conference at the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office on Friday, May 12, 2017. HYOSUB SHIN / HSHIN@AJC.COM
By Mark Niesse
May 16, 2017

Governor Nathan Deal signed a revised executive order Tuesday that calls for an investigation of DeKalb County Sheriff Jeff Mann, who was arrested for allegedly exposing himself in a park and running from police.

Deal's new order addresses concerns raised by Mann's attorney, who said last week the alleged city ordinance violations by Mann don't amount to criminal charges. Deal had cited criminal charges as the justification for appointing an investigative committee.

The updated executive order broadens the investigative committee’s scope to include other purposes allowed by state law. Besides criminal charges, the committee will also look into alleged misconduct in office or alleged incapacity to perform the functions of office.

The committee must report its findings within 30 days and, based on its findings, Mann could be suspended for up to 90 days. Deal appointed Attorney General Chris Carr, Newton County Sheriff Ezell Brown and Peach County Sheriff Terry Deese to the committee.

Mann apologized Friday for bringing an "unfavorable light" on the county, and he previously characterized his arrest as a misunderstanding.

He’s accused of public indecency and obstruction violations as a result of his arrest at Piedmont Park on May 6.

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About the Author

Mark Niesse is an enterprise reporter and covers elections and Georgia government for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and is considered an expert on elections and voting. Before joining the AJC, he worked for The Associated Press in Atlanta, Honolulu and Montgomery, Alabama. He also reported for The Daily Report and The Santiago Times in Chile.

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