Overview
- Gov. Brian Kemp issued an executive order on March 17 suspending Sheriff Gerald Couch for the maximum 60 days.
- On March 18, a Hall County judge named Major Chris Matthews interim sheriff for at least the suspension period.
- Chief Deputy Kevin Head had been directing operations but could not assume the office because he does not reside in Hall County.
- Couch was arrested on Feb. 27 after a deputy reported swerving on Green Hill Road, with state troopers recording a 0.212% blood alcohol level and charging him with DUI, failure to maintain lane, and open container.
- The governor’s review committee comprised Attorney General Christopher Carr and Sheriffs Donnie Harrison and Jeremy Kelley, and it recommended the suspension.