Two men stepped forward Sunday to announce their intentions to oppose Sheriff Richard Roundtree for sheriff of Richmond County.
Richard Dixon and Clarence Lucious “Bo” Johnson IV have created Facebook pages promoting their candidacy.
In a weekend posting, Dixon said he would be announcing more later and pledged to run a “good, high road campaign.”
“I’ll be setting a date for a formal announcement, at which time I’ll share my vision, platform and plan for YOUR agency and OUR community,” Dixon wrote Sunday on his personal Facebook page. He also has a campaign page under construction.
In press release for Bo Johnson, the veteran law enforcement officer said he brings a wealth of experience and a commitment to service that spans over three decades. He said it is “time for a change and a fresh approach to law enforcement in our community.”
“It’s evident that the public’s confidence in the Sheriff’s Office has been eroding,” Johnson said in a statement. “I believe that by being transparent, accountable, and accessible, we can begin rebuilding the trust that has been lost.”
Johnson, 54, pledged to work on hiring and retaining qualified personnel, improving morale, fostering a positive and supportive work environment, and providing strong, ethical, and visionary leadership to guide the department toward positive change.
“Ultimately, my primary goal is to serve the people of Richmond County. I want to be available to hear their concerns, understand their needs, and work collaboratively to address them,” he said. “Together, we will advance accountability within the Sheriff’s Office, and by doing so, we will achieve a safer community where everyone can thrive. It’s time for a new era of law enforcement in Richmond County, one that is rooted in transparency, community engagement, and a steadfast commitment to public safety.”
Johnson’s career in law enforcement includes serving as a Senior Federal Air Marshal with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security from 2002 to 2022 when he was responsible for safeguarding U.S. air carriers, airline crews and passengers domestically and internationally while armed in an undercover capacity.
Johnson also worked with the Department of Energy (DOE) as a Security Contractor at the Savannah River Nuclear Site, where he ensured the protection and security of weapons-grade nuclear materials. He maintained a DOE Government “Q” clearance and played vital roles in program management and protective force.
“His commitment to community welfare is evident through his service as an Intense Supervision/Probation Officer with the Department of Juvenile Justice and as a Deputy Sheriff with the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office,” a press release says. “During his tenure, he excelled in various roles, including Inner City Drug Interdiction, SWAT Assistant Team Leader, and Lead Sniper.”
Johnson worked previously as a Deputy Marshal with the Richmond County Marshal’s Office and as a part-time Patrol Officer with the Blythe Police Department. He earned several awards in his career, including the Law Enforcement Medal of Valor, the State of Georgia “Top Cop of the Year” award, Deputy of the Year for Richmond County, and Outstanding Public Service from the VFW.
Johnson is the grandson of long-time Richmond County Commissioner Jesse Carrol.
Eugene “Gino Rock” Brantley, a sergeant with the Richmond County Marshal’s Office, has already announced his candidacy against Sheriff Roundtree, who was first elected in 2012. Roundtree has been reelected twice with little real opposition. Brantley will run in the Democratic primary.
A veteran cop, Brantley has a combined 23 years serving in Augusta law enforcement. He served at the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office for 16 years and climbed the ranks to special operations on the housing squad. He has spent the last seven years at the Richmond County Marshal’s Office, achieving the rank of Sergeant.
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