Sheriff's challenger gets endorsement from former opponent in runoff

Lina PortmanMay 30, 2024

0 1 minute read

The Richmond County sheriff's candidate challenging incumbent Richard Roundtree in the June 18 runoff now has the support of the third-place finisher in the race.

Former Richmond County Sheriff's Deputy and Federal Air Marshal Bo Johnson announced Wednesday that he and those who voted for him will support former Richmond County Sheriff's Deputy Eugene “Gino Rock” Brantley. Richmond County and Sergeant of the Richmond County Marshal's Office. .

“We are coming together because we have a shared vision for Richmond County and we see Richmond County moving forward and for Richmond County to be safe,” Johnson said Wednesday during a brief conference Press release at the 10th Street Fountain at Riverwalk Augusta, in front of the Augusta Marriott at the Convention Center. “We discussed the issues and got together, and I decided to support Gino. My team also decided to support Gino.”

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Johnson placed third with 23.06% in the May 19 Democratic primary for sheriff. Brantley received 27.82% of the vote. Because Roundtree received 49.11% of the vote and not at least 50% plus one vote, the race went to a runoff.

“It's often said we have a great city. We have a great city here in Augusta but without security we have nothing,” Brantley said Wednesday. “So it’s very important to me and my administration that within the first 100 days we get back to a safer Augusta, which means an Augusta that we can be proud of and that will thrive.”

Among the issues Brantley said he would address in his first 100 days in office:

Fixing a prison that Brantley says is “broken and torn and not safe for inmates.” It’s not safe for the deputies who work there.”
Responding to more alarm calls in homes and businesses, by amending a “verified response” policy instituted in 2022 that directs officers to respond to emergency calls only if they are independently substantiated by triggered alarms, video evidence or eyewitnesses.
“Reinstate the traffic division” which Brantley said “has been dismantled” and the DUI task force, an eight-person unit focused exclusively on arresting drunk drivers.

Lina Portman

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