Sheriff pleads no contest in shooting he called an accident

ATLANTA – An Atlanta-area sheriff who says he accidentally shot and injured a woman while they were practicing police tactics inside an empty model home has pleaded no contest to a reckless-conduct charge.

The Gwinnett County district attorney’s office said in a news release that Clayton County Sheriff Victor Hill entered the plea Tuesday under the state’s first-offender statute. He was ordered to serve 12 months on probation and pay a $1,000 fine.

Hill shot Gwenevere McCord in an empty model home in Lawrenceville in May 2015. Hill told a 911 operator the shooting was an accident. Prosecutors said McCord also said the shooting was an accident and she didn’t want Hill prosecuted.

Hill has been free on bond and has continued to do his job as sheriff.