DAVIDSON COUNTY, NC - The Davidson County Board of Elections decided Gerald Hege can run for Sheriff Tuesday afternoon.
A packed house was in attendance for the hearing that decided Hege's fate, which was sealed when the board voted 3-1 in favor of Hege being eligible to run. More than 100 people were in the audience.
Supporters showed up for Hege wearing black 'Hege for Sheriff' shirts and several witnesses were called to the stand. Hege showed proof of expungement through his clean criminal record.
"I didn't make the laws. I didn't lobby for the laws, but they were passed," Hege said after the vote. "And they were passed for everyone in the state. I came through as the winner this time, so we are just going to go campaign."
Hege served as Davidson County's top cop for more than a decade and was at one point known as "America's toughest Sheriff." He was also known for his pink jail cells and 'spider car.'
In 2003, he was indicted on 15 felonies. He ultimately plead guilty to 2 counts of Obstruction of Justice. As part of plea deal, he had to resign from his post.
According to Hege, his record is expunged thanks to a 2017 state law that reduces the amount of time certain felons have to wait for that to happen.
Hege's previous tenure as Sheriff lasted from 1994 to 2004.
The voter who brought the challenge against Hege has a chance to appeal the decision to the State Board of Elections.
Three candidacy hearings were also held in Guilford County on Tuesday. Michael Garrett, Rep. Jon Hardister and Steven Buccini faced accusations from voters who claim they haven't been living in the districts where they are running
The Guilford County Board of elections unanimously voted to drop the challenges against Garrett and Hardister.
The board was split 2-2 in the decision over Buccini's residency. This means the challenge was not upheld or denied. The petitioner plans to file an appeal.