CBS Atlanta 46Former Clayton County Sheriff Victor Hill bonds out of jail

The former Clayton County Sheriff is a free man after sitting behind bars for two days.

Victor Hill smiled and waved as walked out of the Gwinnett County Jail Friday afternoon after posting bond that was difficult to get.

Hill's attorney, Musa Ghanayem, said the current Clayton County Sheriff and Hill's political rival, Kem Kimbrough, intimidated bonding companies out of putting up money for Hill.

"There are influences causing bonding companies to be very afraid of the current sheriff," Ghanayem said.

CBS Atlanta has learned Jam Bonding Co. Inc., in Jonesboro, posted bail money for Hill. A woman who answered the telephone at the company wouldn't comment.

CBS Atlanta has reported about Hill's financial troubles in the past. Hill filed for bankruptcy in 2008, and he owed more than $1 million due to lawsuits. CBS Atlanta asked Hill if his difficulties procuring bond money were related more to his own lack of money and less to threats to bond companies, but Hill ignored the question as he left jail.

Ghanayem, responding that question, said "it has nothing to do with the fact that he is broke."

Hill, who plans to run against Kimbrough six months from now, said he was locked up for political reasons.

Kimbrough denied influencing bond companies and playing politics.

"It is not true. The GBI is looking into the allegations. If (Hill) has any information, he needs to bring it to the GBI," he said.

Kimbrough said Hill's accusations are merely tactics to divert attention from the charges against Hill.

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