NASHVILLE, Ga. — Qualifying started Wednesday for one of Berrien County’s two upcoming sheriff’s elections.

The county was forced into the unusual dual elections when the previous sheriff pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of civil rights violations. 

A special election to fill the unexpired term of former Berrien County Sheriff Anthony Heath will be held the same day the general election is held, including the “regular” sheriff’s election for the new four-year term starting Jan. 1, Berrien County Elections Supervisor Melanie Ray said.

The winner of the special election will serve the remainder of Heath’s unexpired term, that ends Dec. 31.

Heath pleaded guilty last month to two counts of violating the civil rights of two non-resistant suspects by using excessive force against them, according to a justice department press release. Heath’s plea agreement states that a potential sentence on each count could bring up to 10 years in prison and $250,000 in fines. No sentencing date has been set.

Berrien County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Ray Paulk took over Heath’s responsibilities, County Commissioner Steve Sumner said.

Qualifying for the non-partisan special election had to be held up until Heath’s name was removed from the ballot for the regular election, Ray said. Heath had won the Republican primary before his plea deal with federal authorities.

Either Heath had to remove his name from the ballot or the county elections board had to hold a special meeting to remove his name, Ray said.

The former sheriff opted to remove his name voluntarily, leaving only a Democratic candidate and three independents running in the “regular” election, Ray said.

No one had qualified yet for the special election as of 10 a.m. Wednesday, and qualifying will continue through noon Friday, she said.

Ray said if the special election requires a runoff, it would be held Dec. 6 — less than a month before the current sheriff’s term expires and the winner of the “regular” election takes office. Paulk, as interim sheriff, will hold office until the winner of the special election can take office. 

The other four challengers for the “regular” sheriff’s election are Democratic primary winner Ben Davis and independents Rick Brown, Frank Swanson and Paulk, Ray said.

Terry Richards is senior reporter at The Valdosta Daily Times.