History of Sidney Dorsey in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 3, 2026

Sidney Dorsey is a former law enforcement officer and politician known for his criminal actions. He served as the first African American sheriff of DeKalb County, Georgia from 1996 to 2000. After losing the 2000 election to Derwin Brown, Dorsey orchestrated Brown's murder. He was subsequently convicted and sentenced to life in prison for the crime.

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Full Timeline

February 23, 1940: Sidney Dorsey Born

On February 23, 1940, Sidney Dorsey was born. He would later become the first African American sheriff of DeKalb County, Georgia.

Others born on this day/year

1979: Atlanta Child Murders Start

In 1979, the Atlanta Child Murders began, continuing until 1981.

1981: Atlanta Child Murders End

In 1981 the Atlanta Child Murders ended. Wayne Williams was a key suspect.

January 1982: Williams Conviction

In January 1982, Wayne Williams was found guilty of the murder of two adult men.

1996: First African American Sheriff

In 1996, Sidney Dorsey became the first African American sheriff of DeKalb County, Georgia.

1996: Service on Task Force

Prior to 1996, Sidney Dorsey served on the task force that looked into reopening the case of convicted murderer Wayne Williams.

December 15, 2000: Derwin Brown Murdered

On December 15, 2000, Derwin Brown, who had defeated Dorsey in the election for county sheriff, was murdered at his home in Decatur, Georgia.

2000: Dorsey Loses Election and Arranges Murder

In 2000, Sidney Dorsey lost the runoff election to Derwin Brown and subsequently arranged Brown's murder.

July 10, 2002: Dorsey Convicted of Ordering Brown's Assassination

On July 10, 2002, Sidney Dorsey was convicted of ordering Derwin Brown's assassination.

2005: Walker and Ramsey Found Guilty

In 2005, Melvin Walker and David Ramsey, two of the men hired to murder Brown, were found guilty in federal court for conspiracy to commit interstate murder for hire.

2007: Dorsey Confesses to Ordering Hit on Brown

In 2007, it was reported that Dorsey confessed to ordering the hit on Brown out of bitterness for his defeat in the sheriff's election. He claimed he had attempted to abort the assassination plot before Brown's murder but was unsuccessful.