Wilkins was indicted after a 10-month investigation by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. After being indicted, he was released on a $20,000 unsecured bond.
Monday, Wilkins consented to a court order suspending him from his duties. He will remain suspended while his case works through the justice system.
Chief Deputy Sherwood Boyd will cover the duties of sheriff until the Granville County Board of Commissioners can temporarily fill the position.
Wake County District Attorney Lorrin Freeman is prosecuting the case after Granville County District Attorney Michael Waters stepped aside due to a conflict of interest, according to Wilkins' attorney.
Granville County Attorney Jim Wrenn speaks following the indictment of of Sheriff Brindell Wilkins
Investigators said they have a recording of the sheriff talking about the possible murder of a former deputy from 2014.