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Heere’s Vernon – Mann, Jones in runoff

Avondale Estates Decatur Kirkwood and East Lake Metro ATL

Heere’s Vernon – Mann, Jones in runoff

Vernon Jones, left, will face incumbent Sheriff Jeff Mann, right, in the July 22 runoff.
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Vernon Jones, left, will face incumbent Sheriff Jeff Mann, right, in the July 22 runoff.

Vernon Jones, left, will face incumbent Sheriff Jeff Mann, right, in the July 22 runoff.

This story has been updated. 

The July 22 runoff in the DeKalb Sheriff’s race will be a fun one to watch.

Incumbent Jeff Mann received 39.86 percent of the vote, not enough to avoid a runoff. His opponent? Former DeKalb County CEO Vernon Jones, who received 22.25 percent of the vote.

The previous sheriff, Tom Brown, left that seat to run for U.S. House District 4 against incumbent Hank Johnson in the May 20 primary. Mann succeeded him. Brown lost to Johnson, who received 55.3 percent of the vote.

While Mann’s former boss contemplates his recent career move, the incumbent sheriff will have to face a savvy political opponent. Jones served as DeKalb County CEO for two terms starting in 2001. Prior to that, he served eight years in the Georgia House of Representatives.

He’s also the subject of speculation about his behavior in public and in private. In 2005, a woman accused him of rape, but the case was never prosecuted. Jones has maintained his innocence and wasn’t inclined to discuss it when he announced his candidacy for sheriff. Atlanta’s 11 Alive published a rundown of some of the past allegations against Jones.

Mann is touting his experience as Chief Deputy and Sheriff of DeKalb County. He said he plans to lobby the DeKalb County Commissioners for a pay raise for corrections officers. Jones says he wants to increase the efficiency of the department, which he accuses of having a “go along to get along” philosophy.

Jones, who donned a cowboy hat and boots for a picture on his campaign website, proved on May 20 that whatever opinions people might have about him, he’s still a relevant force in local politics.

Mann may have won the majority of the vote on Tuesday, but Jones’ resiliency is cause for caution. DeKalb County isn’t big enough for the two of them.

Here are the revised totals for the DeKalb County Sheriff’s race.

DeKalb Sheriff

Dale Bernard Collins            Percentage: 4.30   Votes:   3109   Precincts reporting:  189 of 189

Ted Golden                               Percentage:  4.09 Votes:  2956     Precincts reporting:   189 of 189

R. “Tony” Hughes                  Percentage: 5.68   Votes: 4108      Precincts reporting:   189 of 189

Vernon Jones                          Percentage: 22.25   Votes:  16096    Precincts reporting:   189 of 189

Melody Maddox                     Percentage: 7.28  Votes:  5263    Precincts reporting:  189 of 189

Jeff Mann, Incumbent          Percentage: 39.86  Votes:  28833    Precincts reporting:   189 of 189

Melvin Mitchell                      Percentage: 14.36   Votes: 10390      Precincts reporting:   189 of 189

LaSalle Smith, Sr.                    Percentage: 1.75 Votes:  1269   Precincts reporting:   189 of 189

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