Governor Kemp orders investigation into alleged misconduct by Georgia sheriff

Written by: A. Smith

Published September 22, 2025 @ 10:06 AM ET

TOWNS COUNTY, Ga. – Gov. Brian Kemp has ordered a special investigation into Towns County Sheriff Kenneth Henderson following allegations of misconduct.

The executive order, signed Friday, came a day after the Georgia Sheriffs’ Association requested action from the governor. That request followed an Atlanta News First Investigates report that published exclusive body camera footage of Henderson arresting a Hiawassee police officer at the scene of a deputy-involved shooting.

In its letter, the association expressed concern that Henderson is not carrying out the duties of his office due to alleged misconduct.

Kemp appointed a three-member panel to conduct the review: Attorney General Chris Carr, Coweta County Sheriff Lenn Wood, and Newton County Sheriff Ezell Brown. Under state law, the governor can convene such a committee when allegations are raised against a sheriff.

The panel has 30 days from the date of the order to complete its investigation and report its findings to the governor.

The executive order did not detail the specific allegations, and no additional information has been released.