Ga. Governor Suspends DeKalb Sheriff Jeff Mann For 40 Days

DECATUR, GA -- Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal on Monday signed an executive order suspending DeKalb County Sheriff Jeffrey Mann for 40 days, Patch has learned. The suspension follows the sheriff's arrest on indecency and obstruction charges last month.

Monday's development comes as Mann tries to stem repercussions, including the loss of his job, after being arrested for allegedly exposing himself to an Atlanta police officer in Piedmont Park on May 6. Mann recently suspended himself for one week in a bid to quell a growing backlash from many in the county and state.

Last week, a Fulton County judge ruled that Deal cannot remove Mann from office, but he could suspend him. Mann has said that he will not step down despite a governor-appointed investigation into his arrest. 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.

Mann's arrest has proved to be an embarrassing incident for DeKalb. Video from a Midtown homeowner's security camera shows the sheriff fleeing from the lawman. The grainy footage, which was released days after the arrest, 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.

In a memo obtained by multiple outlets, Mann said that he was suspending himself for “conduct unbecoming,” specifically the provision defined as “engaging in conduct on or off duty which has a tendency to destroy public respect for the employee and/or the DKSO and/or destroy confidence in the operations of the County service is conduct unbecoming and is prohibited.” This self-imposed discipline should not be construed to suggest or imply guilt of the Atlanta municipal ordinance charges alleged.

According to WSB-TV, Mann's suspension will go into effect on Tuesday. Deal's executive order calls for the governor to appoint a replacement sheriff, the TV station reports.

Image via DeKalb Sheriff's Office