Crowd Cheers on Embattled DeKalb Co. ICEO Lee May

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. - Crowds of supporters pledge their unwavering support to DeKalb County Interim CEO Lee May, who has received growing public calls to resign following a scathing corruption report.

This is nothing more than a witch hunt," said one supporter at a town hall meeting at the Lou Walker Senior Center. "Please do not resign," he said, which was met with thunderous applause.

"Innocent until proven guilty," said another supporter, holding up a sign saying, "Stay Strong May," praising the embattled leader.

Audience members said community members in the Lithonia area have fierce loyalty to the leader they have known since his days as a commissioner.

With few critical audience members at the town hall, the night provided a stark contrast to last week's town hall at the Maloof Auditorium, where residents held up signs calling for May's resignation.

"Unfortunately, in the last couple of weeks, I've become the distraction I've been seeking to remove," said May to reporters, who admitted he has considered resigning to remove controversy from his office.

"It's been a challenging moment. It's been challenging for my wife and my family. And in the end it's been challenging for our county," May said.

Commissioner Nancy Jester earlier today finally called for May's resignation.

"There is one way by which this crisis can be resolved. That act is for Lee May to resign," Jester said.

May has continued to challenge the corruption report released by former Attorney General Mike Bowers, which claims May interfered with the probe, took an improper loan, and may have misspent thousands of taxpayer dollars. The report also called for May's resignation.