Savannah recently featured convicted felon and disgraced former Sheriff Victor Hill on her podcast – so they could complain together about the justice system. Did she bother to take a minute to research the horror show that was his time in office? Let me tell you just a little bit about Victor Hill, walking small.

Detailed Investigation into Victor Hill’s Federal Case  – The federal case against former Clayton County Sheriff Victor Hill, culminating in his 18-month prison sentence in March 2023, represents a significant chapter in the annals of law enforcement accountability. Hill, once celebrated as “The Crime Fighter,” became a symbol of abuse of power, with a history of legal troubles and civil lawsuits that left Clayton County financially and reputationally strained. This report delves into the negative aspects of Hill’s tenure, victim statements, legal perspectives, and the financial toll on the county, providing a comprehensive overview based on available records.

The Federal Case: Details and ConvictionThe federal case against Hill, which led to his conviction on October 26, 2022, centered on his violation of the civil rights of six pre-trial detainees at the Clayton County Jail. The charges stemmed from Hill ordering detainees strapped into restraint chairs for hours without legal justification, contravening the Sheriff’s Office policy that such measures were only for violent or uncontrollable behavior and never as punishment [1]. This policy aligned with the Fourteenth Amendment’s Due Process Clause, which Hill flagrantly disregarded.The trial revealed the extent of Hill’s abuse, with evidence showing detainees suffering painful injuries. Hill was sentenced on March 14, 2023, to 18 months in federal prison, followed by six years of supervised release, and barred from ever working in law enforcement again. His defense, led by attorney Drew Findling, argued the case was unique and politically motivated, but the jury and Judge Eleanor L. Ross found the evidence compelling [2].

Victim ExperiencesVictims reported being left in restraint chairs for hours, with some suffering injuries like wrist cuts and emotional distress, underscoring the severity of Hill’s actions. Detailed accounts from the federal case include:

Legal and Financial Impact Legal authorities criticized Hill for eroding trust, while Clayton County faced financial burdens from lawsuits, including a notable $750,000 settlement, straining local resources.

Hill’s History: Early Controversies and Legal Battles Victor Hill assumed the office of Clayton County Sheriff on January 1, 2005, immediately making headlines by firing 27 deputies on his first day, an action that set the tone for his controversial leadership. His tenure was marked by a series of legal battles, reflecting a pattern of alleged misconduct. In 2012, while running for re-election, Hill faced a 37-count indictment, including charges of racketeering and theft, accused of using county resources for personal gain [4]. Although acquitted in 2013, this did not end his legal woes.Hill’s administration was characterized by a “tough guy posture,” often employing excessive force and punitive measures. His use of restraint chairs as punishment, rather than for safety, became a focal point of legal scrutiny. Beyond criminal charges, Hill faced numerous civil lawsuits. For instance, in 2013, three current and former employees sued him for retaliation after previous successful lawsuits, leading to a $750,000 settlement paid by the county [5]. Other lawsuits included allegations of wrongful termination, such as Stephanie Campbell’s claim after seeking diabetes accommodations, and excessive force cases like Glen Howell’s, who spent six hours in a restraint chair following a payment dispute with Hill [6].Additionally, Hill faced class-action lawsuits over COVID-19 violations at the jail, with complaints of overcrowding and lack of protective measures, further illustrating his alleged indifference to detainee welfare [7]. These legal battles paint a picture of a sheriff whose actions consistently drew legal challenges, costing the county both financially and in public trust.

The 2005 Mass Firing: Lawsuits and Settlements On January 3, 2005, Hill fired 27 employees, many of whom were white, alleging the need to address a “dysfunctional organization.” This action led to lawsuits alleging racial discrimination and retaliation, as many fired employees had supported Hill’s opponent in the 2004 election [8][9]. The fired workers, initially 27, were joined by 7 more in the lawsuit, totaling 34, and the county settled for approximately $10.4 million, funded by a $5 million county insurance fund and likely money from Fulton County for housing inmates, with no taxpayer money used [10]. This settlement, part of the nearly $11.5 million total cost to Clayton County for Hill-related lawsuits, was a significant financial burden, reflecting the controversy and legal fallout from his early actions.

Shooting his Girlfriend!!
On May 3, 2015, Hill, then 50 years old, was involved in a shooting at a model home on Britt Trail Drive in Lawrenceville, an Atlanta suburb, where McCord, 43, worked as a real estate agent for Paran Realty [5]. Hill called 911 at 5:39 p.m. to report the shooting, claiming it occurred while they were practicing “police training tactics” [3]. McCord was shot in the abdomen, suffering life-threatening injuries, and was taken to Gwinnett Medical Center in critical condition, unable to provide a statement initially due to her condition [2]. Hill refused to cooperate with investigators, asserting his right to remain silent, and was allowed to leave the scene after turning over his clothing, two guns, and a cellphone [8].
The shooting was described as accidental by both Hill and McCord’s family, with Hill later breaking his silence on May 5, 2015, stating, “I was involved in a tragic and heartbreaking accident. Gwenevere McCord, who is very dear to me, was critically injured” [7]. This statement suggests a close personal connection, though contemporary reports primarily described them as acquaintances or friends [2].

Legal Consequences
Hill was charged with misdemeanor reckless conduct on May 6, 2015, and released on a $2,950 bond [6]. The Gwinnett County District Attorney, Danny Porter, expressed skepticism about Hill’s account, noting the location was outside Hill’s jurisdiction and questioning the nature of the “police training exercises” [5]. On August 30, 2016, Hill pleaded no contest to the charge, receiving a sentence of 12 months probation and a $1,000 fine, utilizing Georgia’s First Offender Act to avoid a criminal record [1]. McCord did not want to press charges, which influenced the legal resolution, with Porter noting, “The fact that he was a sheriff didn’t have anything to do with the resolution of it. As a matter of fact, I tried to look at it as, I shouldn’t treat him any differently than any other citizen who runs afoul of the law” [1].

Victim’s Recovery and Post-Incident Actions
McCord underwent numerous surgeries, losing a kidney, spleen, and part of her large intestine, but made a remarkable recovery, progressing “beyond doctors’ expectations” by March 2016 [9]. Her father, Ernest McCord, described Hill as “always been a perfect gentleman with us” and “good friends,” reinforcing the narrative of a close relationship [5]. Interestingly, McCord applied for a job with Hill’s office in August 2016, which legal expert Manny Arora noted could undermine her credibility but did not suggest wrongdoing [4]. Additionally, in March 2016, McCord campaigned for Hill’s re-election via robocalls, stating, “Hi, this is Gwenevere McCord, and on May 24 I will be voting for Sheriff Victor Hill, because he is the most effective sheriff this county has ever had,” without mentioning the shooting [8].

Relationship Context: Evolving Narrative
At the time of the shooting, reports consistently described Hill and McCord as friends or acquaintances. Gwinnett County Police Sgt. Brian Doan mentioned, “There is some type of a relationship,” but was unsure if it was “boyfriend-girlfriend, if they’re just strictly associates or maybe business partners” [7]. Hill’s statement calling McCord “very dear to me” and McCord’s father’s description as “good friends” suggest a close bond, possibly romantic, though not explicitly confirmed in 2015 [7][5]. An unexpected detail emerged in July 2019, when a report from WSB-TV stated, “McCord is the same woman Sheriff Victor Hill shot in Gwinnett County four years ago… Cunningham said the two are dating,” indicating they were in a relationship by that time [3]. This suggests their relationship may have evolved post-incident, adding complexity to the narrative, though it’s unclear if they were dating at the time of the shooting.

Legal Statements, Quotes, and Opinions Legal authorities were unequivocal in their condemnation of Hill’s actions. U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan remarked, “Former Sheriff Victor Hill chose to disregard the welfare of some within his control. The evidence was clear in this case, there was absolutely no justification for Hill to order pretrial detainees to be strapped into restraint chairs for hours on end. These men suffered painful injuries. Without question, his actions not only hurt the victims but eroded the publics trust in law enforcement” [1]. Keri Farley, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta, added, “All of our communities pay a significant price when law enforcement officials abuse their power… Badges and guns don’t come with authority to ignore the Constitution. They come with responsibility to protect it” (ibid).Hill’s defense attorney, Drew Findling, argued the sentence was lenient compared to the 46 months recommended, calling it a “case of first impression” [2]. However, legal experts like Caren Morrison, a Georgia State University associate law professor, noted that Hill’s criminal conviction sharply raised the chances of detainees winning their civil lawsuits, reflecting the legal community’s view of his actions [11].Community reactions were mixed, with some supporting Hill’s tough stance, while others, like Clayton County resident Cleveland Jackson, expressed relief at his accountability, stating, “Some accountability is better than no accountability,” after Hill’s conviction [2].

Financial Impact on Clayton County Hill’s legal troubles imposed a significant financial burden on Clayton County. The county faced numerous civil lawsuits related to his actions, draining tax dollars for legal representation and settlements. For example, in 2013, the county paid $750,000 to settle a lawsuit by employees claiming retaliation, a direct cost attributed to Hill’s management [5]. Other lawsuits, such as those over restraint chair use and COVID-19 violations, added to the financial strain, with the county’s insurance covering claims up to $750,000, and larger judgments paid from the fund balance [6].Clayton County Commission Chairman Jeff Turner noted, “There’s a long line of people wanting to get some” of the sheriff, highlighting the ongoing financial pressure [6]. The exact total cost remains unclear due to ongoing litigation, but the cumulative effect is a significant drain on county resources, an unexpected detail given the scale of legal battles Hill’s actions precipitated.ConclusionThe case against Victor Hill underscores the critical need for accountability in law enforcement, revealing a pattern of abuse that extended beyond criminal charges to civil lawsuits and financial strain on Clayton County. His conviction and the detailed victim accounts highlight the human cost, while legal and community opinions reflect a divided but increasingly critical view of his legacy. As of March 22, 2025, the county continues to grapple with the aftermath, a testament to the long-lasting impact of Hill’s actions.

Key Citations

• Former Sheriff Victor Hill sentenced to federal prison for civil rights violations
• Former Clayton County Sheriff Victor Hill sentenced on abuse charges
• Suspended Clayton County Sheriff Victor Hill found guilty on most charges in federal abuse trial
• Timeline: Clayton Sheriff Victor Hill’s career
• Former Clayton County deputies awarded $750,000 in lawsuit against Sheriff Victor Hill
• Clayton County Sheriff Victor Hill’s troubles go beyond federal indictment
• Third lawsuit filed against Clayton County Sheriff’s Office, Victor Hill
• Sheriff’s Firings Upstage Shift in a Georgia County
• Fired Clayton County deputies close to getting settlement
• Clayton Sheriff Victor Hill now facing civil lawsuits after criminal conviction