Arrested DeKalb Sheriff Apologizes For 'Unfavorable Light,' Says He Won't Resign

DECATUR, GA -- Days after his arrest on indecency and obstruction charges, DeKalb County Sheriff Jeffrey Mann faced reporters Friday for the first time. Mann appeared at the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office Headquarters with a handful of supporters, including his attorney, Noah Pines, at his side along with former Sheriff Tom Brown.

In a statement read by Pines, Mann said that "I would like to deeply apologize to the citizens of DeKalb County for the unfavorable light my arrest has brought upon this county, the dedicated men and women of the Sheriff's Office and most importantly the citizens." SIGN UP: To get notified of more local news like this, click here to sign up for the Decatur Patch. Or find your Atlanta-area town here. Or, if you have an iPhone, download the free Patch app.

Pines also clapped back at Gov. Nathan Deal, who earlier this week, appointed a committee to investigate the sheriff. Pines said that the governor doesn't have the authority to call together a panel to look into the sheriff's actions because the charges he faces are only misdemeanors.

Mann was arrested Saturday for allegedly exposing himself in Piedmont Park. Video from a Midtown homeowner's security camera shows the sheriff fleeing from police. The grainy footage, which was released online earlier this week, could be vital evidence in a case that has made national headlines. It shows a figure purported to be Mann running, followed seconds later by a police officer wearing reflective gear.

Mann was detained by an Atlanta police officer after the policeman observed a man exposing himself in an area of the park known for “sexual acts after dark,” according to the police report. SIGN UP: To get notified of the local news like this, click here to sign up for the Decatur Patch. Or find your Atlanta-area town here. Or, if you have an iPhone, download the free Patch app.

Watch: Video shows DeKalb Sheriff running from police

On Wednesday, Deal announced that he had issued an executive order appointing Attorney General Chris Carr, Newton County Sheriff Ezell Brown and Peach County Sheriff Terry Deese to the investigative committee. The order says that "The committee shall make a report of its investigation to me within 30 days of the date of this Executive Order."

On Friday, Mann said in his statement that he has no intention of stepping down.

"I have been at work all week and I intend to continue to come to work, to maintain the high level of excellence that the citizens of DeKalb County deserve and have come to expect from the Sheriff's Office."

Below is Mann's full statement:

"I want to thank my supporters for the many phone calls, messages, and prayers. It has been heartening to hear from you and to learn of your continues support of me as your sheriff.

I'm fully aware that the people want to hear from me, and I understand it. My attorney has asked me not to speak to the media. He wants me to allow the judicial process the opportunity to work. I'm going to take his advice, and allow him to speak for me. When the case is resolved, I look forward to speaking with my constituents.

For now, I would like to deeply apologize to the citizens of DeKalb County for the unfavorable light I have brought on this county, the men and women of the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office, and most importantly the citizens.

I've already met with my supervisor and staff, and had a heartfelt conversation with them about this situation. I let my staff know, and I want you to know, the citizens of this county, that I am still your sheriff, and hope to remain and continue as your sheriff. I understand that I was elected by the voters of DeKalb County, and I intend to continue to serve the people of this county. I have been at work this week, and I will continue to come to work to maintain the high level of excellence that the citizens of DeKalb County come to deserve and expect from the sheriff's office. I pledge to you that my only goal is to do the work that you elected me to do."

Images via Craig Johnson / Patch