Newton County Sheriff Jackie Knight will step down Saturday after more than two decades leading the law enforcement agency.
In a letter sent to the Newton County Board of Supervisors, Knight said he was honored to have had the opportunity to serve his community for so long.
“I, Jackie Knight, would like to thank you for the continued support over the past 20-plus years I’ve been honored to serve as Newton County Sheriff,” Knight said in his letter. “The time has come for me to let someone else fill this position. As of Nov. 30, 2019, I will resign as Newton County Sheriff.”
Joedy Pennington was previously elected in the Nov. 5 general election to Knight’s position beginning Jan. 1, 2020, however, the board approved appointing him as interim sheriff Thursday upon the recommendation of County attorney Jason Mangum. Pennington will serve as interim sheriff for the remainder of Knight’s term before taking over the role as the elected sheriff.
Mangum said Pennington will need to be sworn in twice, first as interim sheriff on or before Nov. 30, and again as sheriff Jan. 1.
