The governor’s office says it is aware of the arrest of Hall County Sheriff Gerald Couch on DUI and related charges last week. However, there is no indication that a process to suspend him has begun.
The governor has the authority to appoint a committee to investigate sheriffs in Georgia who have been charged with criminal activity or misconduct. That committee would then recommend what, if any action, the governor should take. The governor under such circumstances has the authority to suspend the individual for 60 days with the option to extend the suspension by 30 days.
Meanwhile, Couch’s attorney, Blake Poole, issued a statement Monday saying, in part, “Because this matter is ongoing, we will not try the case in the press, nor will we litigate facts outside the courtroom. Sheriff Couch intends to continue to cooperate with the appropriate authorities and is confident that a fair and thorough review will bring clarity to the situation…his decades-long record of service deserves to be considered alongside any present allegations. We respectfully urge the community to allow the investigation and court process to proceed without rushing to judgement.”
