Oktibbeha County Circuit Clerk Glenn Hamilton has stepped down from his position after pleading guilty to felony possession of methamphetamine in Clay County Circuit Court on Monday.
In 2016, Hamilton was arrested in Clay County and charged with felony possession of methamphetamine, misdemeanor trespassing and misdemeanor possession of Native American artifacts.
Hamilton will serve one year supervised probation and will pay a $1,000 fine and court costs.
Oktibbeha County Board of Supervisors President Orlando Trainer said supervisors will likely appoint an interim clerk during their next meeting. Trainer said they will add the circuit clerk’s race to a special election that is already scheduled for November.
According to Trainer, County Administrator Emily Garrard will oversee operations in the Circuit Court's office until further notice.
Trainer understands the importance of quickly filling this vacancy, saying “We have people more than capable” and the board should not have an issue finding a person to serve as interim.
“We are going to make sure this transition is as smooth as possible,” Trainer said.
Trainer said although it’s unfortunate for Hamilton’s career to end the way it did, he and the board would like to thank him for his years of service.
“We wish him the best success with his future endeavors,” Trainer said.
Hamilton - who previously served as a state senator - was appointed chairman of the Mississippi Parole Board by then-Gov. Haley Barbour in 2004.
Hamilton was elected circuit clerk in 2011 and elected to a second term in 2015.