Gov. Kemp names Doraville police chief as interim insurance commissioner

ATLANTA — Gov. Brian Kemp has made his pick to fill in for Georgia’s insurance commissioner.

Current Commissioner Jim Beck was suspended following a federal indictment accusing him in a $2 million fraud investigation.

Channel 2 investigative reporter Aaron Diamant sat down one on one with Kemp about his decision to appoint Doraville Police Chief John King as the state's interim insurance commissioner.

The governor said the decision was about restoring public trust.

“It took me a little while to get there, but I’m completely confident in my decision,” Kemp said. “I decided on John King because he’s a man of integrity, No. 1. I think in this situation, that’s what the department needs.”

King is also a decorated brigadier general in the Army National Guard.

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He takes over for Beck, who was indicted by a federal grand jury on 38 counts of fraud and money laundering.

“I just felt like Mr. Beck had put himself in a position where he could not continue to gain the integrity and respect that he needed to run the office,” Kemp said.

The governor told Diamant what King lacks in insurance experience, he makes up for in leadership.

“He brings that integrity beyond reproach of doing the right thing when nobody’s watching, and we’re going to be there to help support him,” Kemp said.

King is currently on military duty in Texas but sent Diamant a statement saying:

“I am grateful for Governor Brian Kemp and the opportunity that he has given me to continue my service to the people of Georgia. I look forward to restoring trust …and providing leadership that protects consumers, promotes public safety, and provides a bright and promising future for all Georgians.”

King will serve for the remainder of Beck’s term unless Beck is ultimately cleared of the felony charges he faces and his suspension is lifted.

When King gets sworn in as interim commissioner, he’ll make history as Georgia’s first Hispanic constitutional officer.

Cox Media Group