CNN.com - Charges filed in sheriff-elects slaying


The scene of a shooting that took place south of Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday

DECATUR, Georgia (CNN) -- A key figure in the investigation of the assassination of DeKalb County's sheriff-elect has been charged with evidence tampering, officials in the suburban Atlanta county said Monday.

The arrest of former deputy Patrick Cuffy, whose lawyer has identified him as a suspect in the December ambush shooting death of Sheriff-elect Derwin Brown, followed a shootout outside Cuffy's home Sunday morning.

Dania Hewitt, a friend who was standing with Cuffy in Cuffy's front yard, has been charged with murder in the death of a man whose body was found in a nearby softball park where it had apparently been dumped, police said.

Investigators have not identified the dead man.

The shootout, which happened just two days before a special election to choose a new sheriff -- began when three vehicles -- a black Ford Excursion, a Ford Taurus and a red pickup -- pulled up to Cuffy's home, police said.

As many as 50 shots were exchanged in the gun battle, police said.

Hewitt was slightly wounded and later treated and released from a local hospital.

Cuffy was a protege of former Sheriff Sidney Dorsey, who was ousted in a runoff by Brown following a bitter campaign featuring accusations of corruption against Dorsey.


Brown

Acting Sheriff Tom Brown fired Cuffy for alleged overtime irregularities that enabled him to double his regular salary.

Police refused to say what evidence Cuffy is accused of tampering with. They also refused to say where he is being held.

Two other ex-deputies have been arrested on charges of lying to investigators in the case.

Derwin Brown, 46, was gunned down in the driveway of his home the night of December 15, after a combination birthday-victory celebration party just days before he was due to take office.