'Honor to serve you:' Richmond County sheriff releases statement after defeat in election

Following Richmond County Sheriff Richard Roundtree's defeat in Tuesday's runoff election, he took to social media to thank locals for their support.

Richmond County Marshal's Office Sgt. Eugene "Gino Rock" Brantley, now de facto sheriff-elect, will take over for 11-year incumbent Sheriff Richard Roundtree in 2025.

Brantley, who emphasized transparency, won 10,087 votes for 52.77% in the runoff. Roundtree, who became sheriff in 2013 after the retirement of Ronnie Strength, won 9,027 votes for 47.23%, according to previous reporting.

"Things don't always work out the way we want them to but we continue to walk by faith," Roundtree wrote in a Facebook post Wednesday morning. "I appreciate so much the support you all have given me the past 12 years. It has truly been my honor to serve you. As we transition, I ask that you continue to pray for me and the men and women who put their lives on the line for you each and every day."

Previous report:Richmond County sheriff defeated in runoff after 11 years in office