Amid ongoing clashes with Burke County officials and investigations into management of the Burke County Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff Alfonzo Williams announced Tuesday he is seeking a third term.
Williams said the rural county of approximately 25,000 has made “monumental strides” since he took office, with the fear of crime and crime below national averages. In addition, 30% of his staff have obtained college degrees and others obtained advanced certifications during his tenure, he said.
Williams said if re-elected, he’ll continue the fight against opioids and other drugs, gangs, social media and cyber security threats, mental health issues, hiring and retention concerns and more.
His announcement comes just as the Georgia Bureau of Investigation finalizes an investigation into training records kept by the sheriff’s office of Waynesboro police officers. GBI Special Agent-in-Charge Pat Morgan of the Thomson office confirmed the results of that investigation have been forwarded to Augusts Circuit District Attorney Jared Williams.
Results from a second GBI investigation, involving potential misuse of county and grant funds, also have been turned over to Williams, said Special Agent-in-Charge Brian Whidby. Whidby is over the GBI’s special investigations division headquartered in Decatur.
Williams, a Burke County native, began his law enforcement career at age 19 and has served with the Augusta Police Department, Richmond and Columbia county sheriff’s offices and as an investigator for the Augusta District Attorney’s Office, director of the East Georgia Regional Police Academy and Waynesboro police chief.
Williams had the department’s public relations director, Clarissa Allen, send the Tuesday news release about his reelection campaign.
Williams and county officials have repeatedly clashed over spending issues, including the level of autonomy he has over his budget.
Sunday, Allen sent a news release stating his deputies were demoralized by county spending decisions, such as reductions in funding for court-mandated medical care for a sick inmate and spending on court personnel. Purchase orders for items such as vehicle maintenance have been canceled, the release stated.
A Democrat, Williams’ reelection would be decided on the May 2024 primary ballot unless a Republican enters the race.
