No deal on Hill suspension

As of Friday, January 4, 2013
© Copyright 2013 Clayton News Daily

Photo by Kathy Jefcoats Steve Frey (r) with Sheriff Victor Hill in January when indictments were handed down.

By Kathy Jefcoats

kjefcoats@news-daily.com

JONESBORO — Clayton County Sheriff Victor Hill no longer has the spectre of suspension hanging over him.

On Hill’s third day in office, Gov. Nathan Deal announced his decision to not form a panel to review possible suspension of the sheriff, who is under a 32-count felony indictment. Deal said his interpretation of state law allows suspension only in cases where the official was holding office when indicted.

Deal spokesman Brian Robinson said because Hill had been out of office for more than three years, he was a private citizen and not an elected official.

“Therefore, state law prohibits the appointment of a suspension panel at this time,” he said.

Steve Frey, one of four attorneys defending Hill in the criminal case, said he was elated at the news.

“We’re extremely pleased,” he said Thursday. “We were confident all along. I know I read that law about 500 times.”

Hill was indicted in January on 37 counts mostly related to alleged wrongdoing while he was in office from 2005 to 2008 when he lost a bid for re-election. His defense team got five counts dropped but that decision was appealed by special prosecutor Layla Zon.

Defense attorneys countered with their own appeal. The actions delayed the Nov. 27 trial for up to a year. Frey said he is hopeful that an exoneration isn’t far behind.

“We anticipate a favorable ruling from the Court of Appeals and expect a jury acquittal,” he said.

Hill quietly returned to the sheriff’s office at midnight Monday, in sharp contrast to his 2005 ascension when he fired 27 deputies on his first day.

More like this story

DA's appeal delays start of Hill's Nov. 26 trial ( October 25, 2012 )
Hill defense arguments ‘ludicrous,’ says DA ( September 17, 2012 )
Hill expected in court for motions Monday ( September 14, 2012 )
Hill defense objects to state's appeal ( November 8, 2012 )
Delegates oppose recommendation to remove Hill ( November 29, 2012 )

OscarKnight 4 months, 3 weeks ago

....In other words; Clayton County elected Hill, and it will be Clayton County's responsibly to clean this mess up :

Quote : "When Hill is sworn in Jan. 1, he will become the county’s first sheriff to take office under felony indictment. Georgia Peace Officers and Standards Training Council suspended Hill’s law enforcement certification when he was indicted. Under law, a Georgia sheriff has six months to become certified or he becomes ineligible to hold office. It is unlikely that Hill’s trial will be held before that deadline because of the pending appeals."

http://www.news-daily.com/news/2012/nov/29/delegates-oppose-recommendation-remove-hill/?c=88627

....."Six Months".....The Clock is ticking on Victor.

........The Wheels Justice :

DA's appeal delays start of Hill's Nov. 26 trial by Kathy Jefcoats

......Tick Clock, Tick Clock, Tick Clock.........Minus Six Months

OscarKnight 4 months, 3 weeks ago

.....Time Is On Our Side :

Rolling Stones-Time Is On My Side by BubbaModee

...Minus Six Months

MD 4 months, 3 weeks ago

They are probably gonna let Victor hang himself first with another offense, which you know he will do, then can him immediately.

OscarKnight 4 months, 3 weeks ago

...MD; Thanks for the reminder.....This brings us to another riddle....Ha, Ha !!

....Riddle Me with this :

....Is Victor on a short leash, at the end of rope, or hanging on a short limb ?

OscarKnight 4 months, 3 weeks ago

...By the way; Victor Hill Voters :

..CRIME FIGHTER VICTOR HILL ?....Ha, Ha !!! ....Riddle me with this Puzzle : ...What Laws has Victor been enforcing, since the year 2009 ? ....Another Puzzle; What has Victor been doing since 2009 ? .....Which Law Enforcement Agency as Victor been employed with, since 2009 ?...Ha, Ha !!

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