Clayton County ex-sheriff Victor Hill accuses current sheriff of mismanagement
CLAYTON COUNTY, Ga. - Former Clayton County Sheriff Victor Hill is criticizing his godson, the current Clayton County sheriff, Levon Allen, on social media.
Hill, who was sheriff for 15 years, was convicted in 2022 of violating the civil rights of six detainees at the jail when he was sheriff. Hill disregarded the detainees' rights when he put them in restraint chairs for hours as punishment.
The former sheriff was sentenced to 18 months in prison on May 15, 2023.
However, Hill was transferred last month from the prison to community confinement, which will be overseen by the bureau's Atlanta Residential Reentry Management Office. Community confinement means that Hill is either under house arrest or at a halfway house until his projected release date on April 26, 2024.
RELATED: Ex-Clayton County Sheriff Victor Hill released from federal prison early
Following his full release in April, the former sheriff will be on six years of supervised probation and must also complete 100 hours of community service.
The former sheriff, who is referring to himself as "retired," posted a message on Facebook along with a photograph of himself in uniform.
Hill starts out by thanking the community for the "warm reception" upon his return and "unwavering support." He also refers to his conviction as being "politically motivated."
Hill then says that the sheriff's office is $14 million over budget. He claims that the current sheriff, Levon Allen, used $2 million to buy electric vehicles, spent $10,000 on personal clothing, and allowed his friends and ten family members on the sheriff's office payroll to claim unlimited overtime.
He also claims that secretaries and clerks have been issued police vehicles instead of assigning them to deputies who need them and on-duty personnel have been used to help family and friends to move furniture.
Hill then says that the "mismanagement" of the sheriff's office has led to three inmates being murdered at the Clayton County Jail while others are frequently stabbed or assaulted, including an officer who was stabbed in the head by an inmate.
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Hill concludes by saying he will no longer endorse Allen as sheriff.
FOX 5 has reached out to both Victor Hill and Clayton County Sheriff Levon Allen for interviews.
Monday evening, the current sheriff released a letter which reads:
"Dear Clayton County Citizens
"I write this letter to the community disappointed by recent events that have unfolded on social media today. It is disheartening to see a once-respected figure, former Sheriff Victor Hill, launch a political attack against me, questioning my integrity and intentions.
"While we welcome former Sheriff Victor Hill back from prison, it will not go unnoticed that as much as the former Sheriff Victor Hill loves Clayton County, his love for POWER overcame his duty to serve the citizens honorably.
"POWER and VENGEANCE has become his life mission and I will not succumb to his tirades.
"The truth of the matter is that former Sheriff Victor Hill called me from prison attempting to influence me to make certain decisions, which I refused. He is now upset because I refuse to be a political puppet under his control.
"Let me be clear. My decision to take a different path stems from a fundamental disagreement in our approach to leadership and community engagement.
"Former Sheriff Hill's desire for me to isolate myself from collaborating with community leaders and hinder progress in our county is rooted in his own strained relationships with those individuals. I firmly believe in the power of unity, dialogue, and working together to move our community forward. I refuse to be held back by outdated practices and personal vendettas.
"It pains me deeply that former Sheriff Victor Hill has chosen to publicly discredit me in an attempt to assert his influence and control. I once looked up to him as a mentor, learning valuable lessons under his guidance. However, I will not compromise my values and principles for the sake of appeasing his untethered ego, arrogance, or agenda.
"I harbor no ill will towards former Sheriff Victor Hill for these decisive tactics. Across this nation, many corporations and organizations are creatively addressing staffing shortages. Much like the cost of living, the cost of operating an agency has increased. As with many detention facilities, inmate populations have increased. Clayton County is no different. Its inmate population has increased well beyond its established capacity.
"Many of my operational attributes were forged in the moments of mentorship between former Sheriff Hill and I. However, I choose to be guided by my conscience and commitment to serving in the best interests of our community.
"As we navigate through these challenges, let us remember that unity, respect, and progress are the pillars on which we must build a better future for our county. I remain steadfast in my dedication to leading with integrity, transparency, and a vision for positive change.
"Thank you for your continued support and understanding during this time. Suffice to say, we wish former Sheriff Victor Hill well as he makes his transition.
"As a community, let’s move forward and rise above division and strife. Let’s embrace a new direction that holds a bright future for our beloved Clayton County. "