Embattled Etowah County Sheriff Todd Entrekin conceded the race Tuesday to Republican challenger, Rainbow City Police Chief Jonathon Horton. 

With no Democrats on the ballot, Horton will become the next Sheriff of Etowah County.

Following a strong early lead, Horton stated that he received a call from Entrekin conceding the race at around 8:15pm.

Entrekin had been the subject of much controversy since media outlet al.com reported that he had pocketed over $750,000 worth of funds allocated to feed inmates in the county jail he oversees. The story exploded, becoming a national headline and that and other incidents dogged Entrekin throughout the remainder of the campaign.

Entrekin will finish out his second term of office, before he officially hands over the reins in January.

(al.com/www.al.com)