Columbus County has delayed swearing in its sheriff, due to election protests. Jody Greene was re-elected, even though he resigned from office in October after he was caught on tape making racist remarks about Black deputies.
Greene stepped down, after a judge suspended him and the district attorney filed a petition to have him removed.
Weeks later, he was re-elected with 54 percent of the vote.
Two Columbus residents filed protests with the county elections board. They argued Green was ineligible to run because of his suspension.
The board rejected the protests, but both residents have appealed to the state board of elections. A spokesman says the state elections board is reviewing the appeals.