CHANDLER — In an election year twist, the Republican candidate for Lincoln County sheriff is a former deputy facing an assault and battery charge, accused of punching a handcuffed suspect.

John Tice, 33, of Chandler, doesn't deny striking the domestic abuse suspect. Instead, he insists he was justified and is innocent. He says he was charged for political reasons.

The Democratic candidate is the incumbent, Sheriff Charlie Dougherty, 57, of Wellston, who fired Tice in August.

It's unusual for a defendant in a criminal case to run for political office, even when the charge is just a misdemeanor. It's even more unusual when the defendant is running for sheriff. If convicted, Tice may not even be able to serve as sheriff because he could lose his state certification to be a law enforcement officer.