GAINESVILLE, Ga. — Gov. Brian Kemp has suspended Hall County Sheriff Gerald Couch from office for 60 days following his recent DUI arrest, according to an executive order issued Tuesday.
The suspension is effective immediately and follows a recommendation from a state-appointed investigative committee that reviewed the circumstances surrounding Couch’s arrest.
In the order dated March 17, Kemp stated the committee submitted its recommendation a day earlier, advising that Couch be suspended from office.
“Sheriff Couch is hereby suspended from the Office of Sheriff of Hall County for a period of 60 days, effective immediately,” the order states.
Escalation of state action
The suspension marks a significant escalation in the state’s response to Couch’s Feb. 27 arrest on charges of driving under the influence, failure to maintain lane and possession of an open container.
Earlier this month, Kemp issued an executive order appointing a three-member committee to investigate Couch and determine whether disciplinary action was warranted. Under Georgia law, the governor may suspend a sheriff for up to 60 days based on the committee’s recommendation.
That committee — which included Attorney General Chris Carr and two Georgia sheriffs — was tasked with reviewing the case and reporting back to the governor within 30 days. The recommendation was delivered in less than two weeks.
Local impact
Following Couch’s arrest, Chief Deputy Kevin Head said he assumed command of the Hall County Sheriff’s Office and that operations would continue without disruption.
In a statement released March 6, Head said the agency remained “fully committed to serving our community” and emphasized that the office would continue normal operations during the sheriff’s absence.
Head also noted at the time that the authority to suspend an elected sheriff rests solely with the governor.
Conflicting statements
Head’s public statement also said the sheriff’s office would not comment on matters related to Couch’s personal life, including his health.
However, as previously reported by Now Georgia, statements Head made to Georgia State Patrol at the scene of the arrest indicated concerns about Couch’s alcohol use.
According to the state patrol report, Head told troopers Couch had recently been at the hospital with a high blood alcohol concentration and that deputies were attempting to retrieve his county-issued vehicle due to “alcohol issues.”
No response has been provided by the sheriff’s office to questions about whether Couch’s prior absence from duty in late 2025 was related to those concerns.
What happens next
Under Georgia law, the suspension is temporary and does not remove Couch from office. Further action could follow depending on the outcome of the case and any additional legal or administrative proceedings.
During the suspension period, the chief deputy will continue to oversee daily operations of the sheriff’s office.
Couch was arrested by the Georgia State Patrol after deputies requested assistance during a traffic stop in the 4400 block of Ledan Extension Road. Authorities said his blood alcohol level was nearly three times the legal limit.
Stay with Now Georgia for continuing coverage of this developing story.
