The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) has apprehended five former law enforcement officials on charges related to the aggravated assault of an inmate at Floyd County Jail. As reported by Atlanta News First, the suspects include three former Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) officers, a GDC investigator, and a former Floyd County deputy, all taken into custody following an investigation initiated by the Floyd County Sheriff's Office.

The incident, which took place in June prior to the inmate's transportation to a GDC facility, led to an internal review and subsequent termination of the involved Floyd County deputy, Logan Nelson, on June 6, 2024. Not only was Nelson found guilty of violating several policies, including Oath of Office, Conduct Unbecoming of a Deputy, and Unsatisfactory Performance, but his connections to the assault also called for the GBI's involvement in a deeper probe. According to Channel 2 Action News, officials from the Floyd County Sheriff's Office stated, "After our review of the incident, Mr. Nelson’s employment was terminated on June 6, 2024."

The GBI's arrests bring numerous charges against the former officers and deputy, including aggravated assault, terroristic threats and acts, and battery. Josha Riddle, Billy Lingerfelt, and Logan Nelson are additionally charged with the violation of oath of office. Two of them, Donna Pettyjohn, and Hannah Rittweger, are also facing counts of conspiracy and false statements, as noted by Atlanta News First.

While the GBI continues its thorough examination of the assault's circumstances, they encourage anyone with further information to come forward. Channels have been opened for anonymous tips via hotline, an online portal, or through a mobile app. Once their investigation concludes, the findings will be transferred to the Floyd County District Attorney’s Office for the consideration of, prosecution. Meanwhile, the accused are being detained at Floyd County Jail, waiting for the judicial process to unfold and determine their culpability in the reprehensible events leading to the grave charges they all now face.