Topline: A new book revisits the assassination of a sheriff-elect and the unchecked power behind his killing.
Published: October 6, 2026 7:04 am ET
Randy Shaw
I cut my teeth in journalism when I began looking into what I saw as abuses of power in my local government. From then on, I was hooked on the dopamine rush of uncovering information.
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Derwin Brown
DECATUR, GA — Former District Attorney J. Tom Morgan is revisiting Sheriff-elect Derwin Brown’s assassination in a new book about corruption and unchecked power.
In WSB-TV’s Oct. 2 report, Morgan discusses A Rainy Night in Georgia.
Brown was shot 12 times outside his home on Dec. 15, 2000. Morgan went to the hospital afterward and led the prosecution following an 18-month investigation.
Morgan credits reporter Dale Cardwell’s corruption coverage with helping defeat then-Sheriff Sidney Dorsey. Encouraged by other authors, Morgan began writing during COVID-19, revisiting memories he had compartmentalized. His themes include press freedom and unchecked power. WSB reported a planned Decatur Book Festival appearance.
Brown had defeated Dorsey in a runoff after campaigning to expose departmental corruption. Dorsey and two others were convicted in 2002, according to WSB’s earlier coverage. Dorsey admitted orchestrating the killing in a 2007 prison interview.
Dorsey died at Augusta State Medical Prison in March 2026, aged 86, while serving a life sentence. A corrections official confirmed his death from natural causes.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
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Derwin Brown Assassination Revisited in Former DeKalb DA’s New Book
A new book revisits the assassination of a sheriff-elect and the unchecked power behind his killing.
By Randy Shaw
Published: October 6, 2026 7:04 am ET
Derwin Brown
DECATUR, GA — Former District Attorney J. Tom Morgan is revisiting Sheriff-elect Derwin Brown’s assassination in a new book about corruption and unchecked power.
In WSB-TV’s Oct. 2 report, Morgan discusses A Rainy Night in Georgia.
Brown was shot 12 times outside his home on Dec. 15, 2000. Morgan went to the hospital afterward and led the prosecution following an 18-month investigation.
Morgan credits reporter Dale Cardwell’s corruption coverage with helping defeat then-Sheriff Sidney Dorsey. Encouraged by other authors, Morgan began writing during COVID-19, revisiting memories he had compartmentalized. His themes include press freedom and unchecked power. WSB reported a planned Decatur Book Festival appearance.
Brown had defeated Dorsey in a runoff after campaigning to expose departmental corruption. Dorsey and two others were convicted in 2002, according to WSB’s earlier coverage. Dorsey admitted orchestrating the killing in a 2007 prison interview.
Dorsey died at Augusta State Medical Prison in March 2026, aged 86, while serving a life sentence. A corrections official confirmed his death from natural causes.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
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Editor Picks
Latest Articles
Derwin Brown Assassination Revisited in Former DeKalb DA’s New Book
A new book revisits the assassination of a sheriff-elect and the unchecked power behind his killing.
By Randy Shaw
Published: October 6, 2026 7:04 am ET
Derwin Brown
DECATUR, GA — Former District Attorney J. Tom Morgan is revisiting Sheriff-elect Derwin Brown’s assassination in a new book about corruption and unchecked power.
In WSB-TV’s Oct. 2 report, Morgan discusses A Rainy Night in Georgia.
Brown was shot 12 times outside his home on Dec. 15, 2000. Morgan went to the hospital afterward and led the prosecution following an 18-month investigation.
Morgan credits reporter Dale Cardwell’s corruption coverage with helping defeat then-Sheriff Sidney Dorsey. Encouraged by other authors, Morgan began writing during COVID-19, revisiting memories he had compartmentalized. His themes include press freedom and unchecked power. WSB reported a planned Decatur Book Festival appearance.
Brown had defeated Dorsey in a runoff after campaigning to expose departmental corruption. Dorsey and two others were convicted in 2002, according to WSB’s earlier coverage. Dorsey admitted orchestrating the killing in a 2007 prison interview.
Dorsey died at Augusta State Medical Prison in March 2026, aged 86, while serving a life sentence. A corrections official confirmed his death from natural causes.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
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