DAVIDSON COUNTY
Gerald Hege, the colorful former sheriff and convicted felon, will run again for sheriff next year, WGHP/FOX8 reported.
Hege's son, Jerry Hege, told the news station on Thursday that his father was planning to run.
"Vote for Hege" signs have been popping up in yards across the county over the past week, even though the filing period has not started. The earliest Hege could file for the November 2010 election is February.
Residents along Ridge Rd. said the former sheriff came by Thursday morning to ask them to put campaign signs in their yards.
The elder Hege, who served as Davidson County Sheriff from 1994 to 2004, became well-known for his off-the-wall style. He had the Davidson County Jail painted pink with crying, blue teddy bears on the walls. He was known for having several chases in the county in his "spider car."
One year, Hege sent out Christmas cards with a picture of him and the severed head of Osama bin laden. The card said, "Happy Ramadan."
In May 2004, Hege pleaded guilty to two felony counts of obstruction of justice. He resigned as sheriff and got two suspended 6-month sentences.
But many in the county support the former sheriff.
If elected, Hege would not be allowed to carry a gun since he's a convicted felon.
Current Sheriff David Grice said he also plans to run for re-election.
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