DeKalb Sheriff Jeffrey Mann Returns To Job After 40-Day Suspension

DECATUR, GA -- DeKalb County Sheriff Jeffrey Mann is back on the job after a 40-day suspension related to his arrest on indecency and obstruction charges. Mann was suspended by Gov. Nathan Deal after DeKalb's top cop was arrested May 6 after fleeing an Atlanta police officer in Piedmont Park.

Mann has pleaded not guilty and plans to defend himself when the trial begins Thursday in Atlanta. (SIGN UP: Get Patch's Daily Newsletter and Real Time News Alerts. Or, if you have an iPhone, download the free Patch app.)

Mann is facing misdemeanor charges after allegedly exposing himself in Piedmont Park. Mann has apologized for his actions, saying that he was sorry 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."

In a highly embarrassing development for the county, video of the incident has surfaced online. The grainy footage, taken from a Midtown homeowner's security system, 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.

DeKalb Sheriff Vows To Clear His Name After Indecency Arrest

Mann is hoping the incident blows over so that he can continue running the DeKalb jail. But many residents feel that he should step aside so that the matter can be put to rest.

While Mann was away, DeKalb's jail was run by Ruth Stringer, a 25-year veteran of the sheriff's office who was appointed by Superior Court Chief Judge Courtney in early June.

Image via DeKalb Sheriff's Office