A former Bartow County sheriff's deputy is facing a battery charge after a foster child told investigators he was whipped with a belt at least 20 times, prompting state agencies to quickly pull other children from the home.
Andrew Williams was booked into the Bartow County jail around noon Wednesday and released on bond within about 30 minutes, according to FOX 5 Atlanta. The outlet reports the investigation began after a foster child ran away because he was afraid and later told investigators the alleged whipping occurred on one occasion. Multiple foster children had been staying in Williams' home at the time.
State Agencies Step In
The Georgia Division of Family and Children Services explains on its website that it investigates reports of child abuse and can place children in protective custody, according to Georgia DFCS. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation describes one of its roles as providing investigative support to local law enforcement in complex cases, according to GBI.
In this case, Bartow County DFCS and the GBI were called in to assist with the probe, and the remaining foster children were removed from the home, according to FOX 5 Atlanta. The station also reports that sheriff's officials opened an internal affairs review and that Williams is no longer employed by the agency, though officials have not said whether he resigned or was terminated.
What the Charge Means
Under Georgia law, battery can be charged as simple battery or elevated to more serious offenses depending on the level of harm and circumstances. The statute outlining simple battery and its penalties is available online, according to Justia. Whether prosecutors decide to seek additional or enhanced charges will depend on what investigators and DFCS determine during their review.
Sheriff's officials have released limited public details and have not announced a court date for Williams. We will update this story as more information becomes available.
