Atlanta Sheriff Arrested Cruising For Sex In Public Park

An officer patrolling Piedmont Park claims Sheriff Jeffrey Mann exposed himself
From: NewNowNext

 A police sheriff was arrested cruising for sex during a sting operation in Atlanta, but claims the incident was “a misunderstanding.” DeKalb County Sheriff Jeffrey Mann, 54, has been charged with indecency and obstruction of an officer for reportedly masturbating in a cruising area and then fleeing police.

An officer was patrolling Piedmont Park when he claims he saw Mann rub himself through his slacks and then expose himself.

Mann approached the officer, whose uniform was obscured, but when the officer shined a flashlight on him, Mann ran away.

“I ran behind the male while yelling, ‘Police, STOP!,’” the officer maintained. “[He] looked back at me multiple times but continued to run towards the sidewalk and street.” Mann was apprehended when he stopped to tie his shoes a quarter-mile away.

“If those charges are accurate, that behavior is certainly unbecoming to anyone and that includes the sheriff or any other officer,” Georgia Sheriffs’ Association Executive Director Terry Norris told the Associated Press.

“I am part of law enforcement [and] appreciate the Atlanta Police Department and the job that they do,” Mann allegedly said, adding that the arrest was a misunderstanding and he was “looking to clear my name.”

DeKalbSheriff JeffreyMann emails that APD arrested him on indecency, obstruction charges."working with City... to clear... charges" @wsbtv

— Mark Winne (@MarkWinneWSB) May 7, 2017

Mann has been the sheriff since 2014 but County Commissioner Nancy Jester said that the charges would make it difficult for him to perform his duties. While he cannot be removed from office by the city, Mann can still be removed by the state government or offer to step down voluntarily.

WSB-TV reported that every sheriff elected to a full term in Dekalb County since 1964 has faced criminal charges.