LEXINGTON – Former Davidson County Sheriff Gerald Hege said he is “testing the waters” by placing “Vote for Hege” signs in front of Davidson County homes.

During a brief interview with The High Point Enterprise at his Lexington home, Hege said an announcement about his possible candidacy for sheriff in 2010 will be made in November. Hege would not make any further comment on his potential candidacy.

Signs supporting Hege’s bid for another term as sheriff recently have been popping up in Davidson County.

Hege resigned as sheriff in 2004 and pleaded guilty to two felony counts of obstruction of justice for attempting to cover up money missing from the vice and narcotics unit of the sheriff’s department. The former sheriff, who was elected in 1994, ended his probation in May 2007.

After finishing his probation and as a convicted felon, Hege could vote and also run for sheriff again. Under state and federal law, Hege can not carry a gun even if he is re-elected to the post of sheriff because he is a convicted felon.

Hege registered to vote as a Republican on Oct. 10, 2008.

Last week, Davidson County Sheriff David Grice said he will run for sheriff in 2010, but would not comment on the potential candidacy of Hege. Grice has been in office since 2004 after being appointed by the Republican Party to fill Hege’s seat.

He easily retained the office of sheriff in 2006 for a four-year term with a victory over Roy Holman.

As sheriff of Davidson County, Hege, a Vietnam War veteran, was known for his controversial tactics.

Painting the jail walls pink, he removed television sets and books from the county jail. Prisoners wore color-coordinated jumpsuits to identify their offense. Hege ordered all deputies to wear combat boots.

Hege also appeared on “Larry King Live” and “America’s Most Wanted.” In addition, his personal patrol vehicle was a 1995 Chevrolet Impala, referred to as “The Spider Car,” with nitrous oxide tanks.

dignasiak@hpe.com | 888-3657