GAINESVILLE, Ga. — The Hall County Sheriff’s Office says it continues to operate normally following the arrest of Sheriff Gerald Couch on DUI charges last week, with Chief Deputy Kevin Head currently overseeing the agency’s operations.
In a statement released Friday, March 6, Head said the agency remains fully functional and committed to serving the public while the situation involving the sheriff continues to unfold.
“We understand that the citizens of Hall County may have concerns regarding the operation of the Hall County Sheriff’s Office following last Friday’s arrest of Sheriff Gerald Couch,” Head said. “Please be assured that the Hall County Sheriff’s Office continues to operate normally and remains fully committed to serving our community.”
Leadership transition
Head said that under the structure of the sheriff’s office, command automatically transfers to the chief deputy if the sheriff is absent or unable to perform his duties.
“As Chief Deputy, I am currently in command of the Hall County Sheriff’s Office,” Head said. “In my established role, I already oversee the day-to-day operations of the agency, and I will continue to ensure there is no disruption to law enforcement services or public safety operations.”
Head also noted that the authority to suspend an elected sheriff rests with the governor under Georgia law.
“Because the position of Sheriff is a constitutionally established elected office under Georgia law, any decision regarding suspension from office falls under the authority of the governor,” Head said. “The governor has been notified of Sheriff Couch’s arrest, and the Sheriff’s Office will fully cooperate with any review or action initiated by the governor’s office.”
Conflicting statements about sheriff’s condition
In the same release, Head said the sheriff’s office would not comment on matters related to Couch’s personal life.
“We will not comment on matters related to Sheriff Couch’s personal life, including his health,” Head said, adding that questions on those issues should be directed to Couch.
However, statements Head reportedly made to Georgia State Patrol at the scene of the arrest appear to conflict with that position.
According to the state patrol incident report, Head and Capt. James Alexander followed Couch to his residence shortly before the traffic stop because they “were coming to pick up Sheriff Couch’s county vehicle due to him having some alcohol issues.”
The report by Sgt. J. Hedden also states that Head told troopers Couch had recently been at the hospital with a high blood alcohol concentration level. Head further advised that a friend had spoken with Couch earlier that day and warned him he should not be driving.
Now Georgia previously contacted the Hall County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Office asking whether Couch’s absence from the office in late 2025 was connected to the alcohol issues mentioned in the patrol report. Other than Friday’s statement, the agency has not responded to that inquiry.
Details of the arrest
Couch was arrested Feb. 27 following a traffic stop that resulted in charges of driving under the influence, failure to maintain lane and possession of an open container in the passenger area of a vehicle.
As previously reported by Now Georgia, Georgia State Patrol was called to assist after Hall County deputies suspected Couch was under the influence. A patrol report states his blood alcohol level was nearly three times the legal limit at the time of the stop.
The encounter occurred in the 4400 block of Ledan Extension Road.
Couch was taken into custody and later released.
Agency response
Head emphasized that most sheriff’s office employees had no involvement in the incident and asked the public to continue supporting the agency’s staff.
“Other than those personnel required to carry out their professional duties in this past Friday’s incident, the majority of our deputies, detention officers and civilian staff of the Hall County Sheriff’s Office had no involvement in this incident,” Head said.
“These men and women continue to report to work each day dedicated to protecting the citizens of Hall County. I respectfully ask that they be treated with the same professionalism and respect they show the community and that the actions of one individual not diminish the integrity and commitment of the entire agency.”
“The Hall County Sheriff’s Office remains focused on its mission to serve and protect the people of Hall County,” he said.
Stay with Now Georgia for updates as this story continues to develop.
