A 14-year veteran of the Rabun County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO), Major Beth Darnell, has been named acting sheriff following Thursday’s arrest of Sheriff Chad Nichols. Maj. Darnell who oversees the Rabun County Detention Center and Court Services operations, was appointed “Acting In-Charge” Friday.
Nichols is running for re-election a June 18 Republican Primary runoff with Mark Gerrells, who is the former training director for the sheriff’s office.
Meanwhile, neither the GBI nor Mountain Judicial Circuit District Attorney George Christian who asked the GBI to investigate Nichols has offered any details about the charges facing Gerrells or the victim or victims. Nichols is free on bond after turning himself in.
EARLIER STORY. POSTED FRIDAY MORNING:
The GBI has arrested and charged Rabun County Sheriff Chad Nichols with Public Indecency, Sexual Battery and Violation of Oath by a Public Officer.
A week ago, Mountain Judicial Circuit District Attorney George Christian asked the GBI to investigate an incident involving Nichols.
Nichols, 45, turned himself in and was booked into the Rabun County Detention Center.
The investigation is “active and ongoing,” according to the GBI, which did not release any specifics regarding the charges.