Ex-Georgia sheriff, who had rival killed, dies in prison
By Graham Cawthon
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DECATUR, Georgia (WJCL) — Sidney Dorsey, the former Georgia sheriff who was serving a life sentence for ordering the assassination of his elected successor, has died in prison. He was 86.
A Georgia Department of Corrections official confirmed Dorsey died Monday night of natural causes at Augusta State Medical Prison.
Dorsey’s conviction stemmed from the Dec. 15, 2000, killing of DeKalb County Sheriff-elect Derwin Brown, who was shot outside his Decatur home just days before he was to take office. Prosecutors said Dorsey arranged the slaying after losing a bitter reelection campaign and amid allegations of corruption in the sheriff’s office.
A jury convicted Dorsey in 2002 of arranging Brown’s murder. He was sentenced to life in prison, plus 23 years on corruption-related convictions, including racketeering and violating his oath of office.
At sentencing, Dorsey denied responsibility, telling the court, “I do not have the blood of Derwin Brown on my hands.”
Brown’s family testified during the hearing, including his widow, Phyllis Brown, who told Dorsey she did not wish him death despite the loss inflicted on her family.
In 2007, Dorsey admitted from prison that he orchestrated the killing, authorities said. He told a prosecutor he had ordered the hit but later claimed he tried to call it off.
Two other men were also convicted in connection with the killing.
Brown, a longtime police veteran, had campaigned on a pledge to root out corruption in the sheriff’s department. His death drew national attention and was widely described by authorities as a political assassination.
Brown left behind his wife and five children. In recent years, family members and supporters have continued to hold annual vigils in his memory.
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