MACON COUNTY, Ga. — There's a new sheriff in town - after a months-long legal debate between Jeffrey Canady and the Macon County Board of Elections.
Some people in Macon County say the decision will go down in history.
Just a week before Election Day, the Macon County Board of Elections disqualified candidate Jeffrey Canady.
His lawyer argued Tuesday the decision was "an abuse of discretion," and Judge Richard Winegarten agreed. The Superior Court ruled that Canady will be Macon County's next sheriff.
Dawn James is a longtime resident of Macon County and was at today's hearing to show her support.
"I am glad Dr. Canady was given his due rights," James said. "We stuck by him, we got the ruling from the judge. 2,500 of us decided to vote for him, and I'm glad the judge honored that."
Jeffrey Canady secured 55.93% of the vote in last month's election for sheriff.
"The people spoke, so rightfully I should be that sheriff," Canady said. "So I'm ready to serve the people of this community, this county. I'm happy, I'm elated that the judge reversed the decision."
Judge Winegarten called the board's decision to disqualify him "a problem," since early voting was already underway when they declared that votes for Canady would no longer count.
Canady's attorney Eddie Davis said the decision was based on speculation that Canady could not get POST certification from the state agency that certifies law enforcement officers.
Franklin T. Coleman representing the Board of Elections argued that the court should avoid interpreting laws that would produce an "absurd result."
"We know for a fact he won't be able to be certified within 6 months," Coleman said. "The interpretation of this law about him not having to have this certification for 6 months, in this case, produces an absurd result. It would require us to swear in somebody to be sheriff for essentially 6 months."
Canady says he and his team are taking it one step at a time as they move forward to get his certification.
"The citizens of Macon County can rest assured that they have a good man for the sheriff," Canady said. "I'm grateful."
The Board of Elections has 30 days to appeal the decision, if they choose to do so.