Henry County Sheriff Frank Cassell, who was indicted Oct. 31 as part of a federal corruption investigation into his department, has stepped down.

According to a press release from Cassell's attorneys, he decided to retire effective immediately after examining "the nearly constant distraction his status has become since his announcement last week."

Cassell said Thursday that he planned to place himself on unpaid administrative leave pending the outcome of the federal case, but that decision was met with frustration by some Henry County officials, including the Board of Supervisors, which had called for his resignation.

On Monday, board Chairman H.G. Vaughn said, "Mr. Cassell has made the right and honorable decision. I admire him for doing that. I wish him the best in his retirement."