Lawyer disputes hopeful

Sheriff's contender faces disqualification hearing concerning fingerprinting regulations

Web posted May 10, 2000

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By Mark Mathis
Staff Writer

Woodrow Fryer's candidacy to become the next sheriff of Richmond County in November was challenged Tuesday because he allegedly didn't fulfill a qualifying requirement.

The rule in question requires that candidates for sheriff be fingerprinted and that the prints be submitted to the probate court judge on or before the close of qualifying April 28. The information is used to search local, state and national files to disclose any criminal record.

Judge Isaac Jolles of the Probate Court said he received and sent off Mr. Fryer's fingerprints for testing Monday.

The challenge, which was brought by local attorney William McCracken, said Mr. Fryer did not meet the deadline requirement for submission, thereby disqualifying him from the sheriff's race.

``If you're going to be sheriff, you have to follow the rules,'' Mr. McCracken said. ``Mr. Fryer got off on the wrong foot and didn't follow the rules.''

Mr. Fryer, a Democrat, did not show the attention to detail that is vital in law enforcement, where adherence to minute details and procedure can mean the difference in a conviction or acquittal, Mr. McCracken said.

``He needs to learn about technicalities now and not later,'' he said.

Mr. Fryer did not return two messages left at his home Tuesday afternoon.

The allegation was brought to Mr. McCracken's attention by some friends in the Richmond County political community, he said. Mr. McCracken would not divulge who the individuals were, adding that he filed the challenge as a concerned citizen and wasn't acting as an agent of another candidate for sheriff.

Democrats Ronnie Strength and Elmer Singley and Republican Leon Garvin are the other candidates in the race.

The Board of Elections will hold a hearing on the challenge Monday at 4:30 p.m. in Room 321 of the courthouse, said Lynn Bailey, executive director of the board.

If the challenge is found to have merit, Mr. Fryer could be disqualified as a candidate, Ms. Bailey said.

Reach Mark Mathis at (706) 823-3227.