LAKE COUNTY -- It has been four years since former Lake County Sheriff, George Knupp, spoke to anyone on camera.
Knupp was indicted for perjury in 2004, then removed from office after 15 years on the job.
Now Knupp is back on the campaign trail to get back the sheriff's job and spoke with News 13's Monica Rix exclusively about why he wants his seat back.
"I want to represent the citizens in Lake County again," Knupp said.
In his first on-camera interview since his indictment four years ago, Knupp made one thing clear -- he wants to be Lake County's Sheriff again.
"I feel really good about this campaign," Knupp said.
Knupp is one of five candidates vying for the position.He was the county's top cop for nearly 15 years.
In 2004, he was indicted for perjury and then removed from office by then Gov. Jeb Bush.
"Yes, I was investigated for a year by a number of agencies. They found no intent on my part to commit any crime. They found no evidence that I committed any crime. The only thing that the jury found was two conflicting statements and I was charged for those, but the charges were later dismissed," Knupp said.
Knupp said losing the position was devastating, but last July he decided take action and filed his candidacy for sheriff and launched a now year-long campaign to reclaim his seat.
Not every candidate can afford a billboard like Knupp's opponents Gary Borders or Tom Mysinger. But when it comes to campaigning, it doesn't seem like Knupp is doing much of it, and with such a high-profile race, candidates say getting your name out to the public is key. But Knupp told Rix people already know his name.
"Billboards and signs don't vote. People vote," Knupp said.
That is who he is counting on to get him back into office.
"My name's been out there for 15 years and I feel confident. People haven't forgotten me and know the kind of a job I performed for them," Knupp told Rix.
Are you afraid that the thing they'll remember you for is the indictment?" Rix asked.
"No. I'm not afraid of that, no. I did not commit any crime. All I'm asking is for another chance to do it," Knupp said.
Knupp is one of five candidates running for Lake County Sheriff -- the others are Republican candidates Gary Borders, Tommy Mysinger and Patty Wells. Also on the ballot is Daniel Sells, who does not have a party affiliation. There are no Democratic candidates for the job.
Before you vote, you have the chance to meet the candidates at a local forum at Liberty Baptist Church in Tavares on Sunday at 6 p.m.
Comment on this story.