Former Richmond County Deputy Marshal Running for Sheriff

A former Deputy Marshal with the Richmond County Marshal's Office has announced he's running for sheriff.

Clarence "Bo" Johnson's law enforcement experience spans three decades.  He was a Senior Federal Air Marshal with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security from 2002 until his retirement in 2022.  He was responsible for safeguarding U.S. air carriers, airline crews and passengers domestically and internationally while armed in an undercover capacity.  Johnson was also with the Department of Energy as a Security Contractor at the Savannah River Site, as well as a Deputy Sheriff with the Richmond County Sheriff's Office, and a Deputy Marshal in the Richmond County Sheriff's Office.

Notable awards and recognitions include the Law Enforcement Medal of Valor, the State of Georgia "Top Cop of the Year" award, Deputy of the Year for Richmond County, and Outstanding Public Service from the VFW.

"I am running for the position of Sheriff in Richmond County because it is time for a change and a fresh approach to law enforcement in our community.  Several critical issues within the current Sheriff's Office have led me to take this step, and I am committed to addressing them head-on," said Johnson in a written statement.

Johnson went on to explain that morale within the Sheriff's Office is at an all-time low.  He said that can negatively impact the effectiveness of law enforcement efforts.

"It's time for a new era of law enforcement in Richmond County, one that is rooted in transparency, community engagement, and a steadfast commitment to public safety.  That is why I am running for Sheriff, and I ask for your support in this important endeavor," said Johnson.

Johnson becomes the second person to announce he's running for sheriff.  Richmond County Sergeant Eugene Brantley announced his candidacy last month.

Sheriff Richard Roundtree hasn't announced whether he plans to seek re-election.