Towns County Sheriff Indicted on Seven Counts Following 2024 Arrest Incident

HIAWASSEE, Ga. — Towns County Sheriff Ken Henderson now faces criminal prosecution, after a grand jury indicted him on seven charges yesterday evening, connected to a December 2024 confrontation with a Hiawassee police officer.

It was reported that the Enotah Judicial Circuit Superior Court issued an arrest warrant Tuesday morning after Chief Judge Joy Parks signed the order based on the grand jury’s decision.

Henderson had until 10 a.m. to surrender at the Towns County Jail.

According to media sources, he has already been booked and released on his own recognizance bond, meaning no cash payment is required for release.

The charges stem from a December 13, 2024, scene involving the shooting of former Towns County Sheriff’s Office deputy Austin Bradburn.

According to court documents, Henderson allegedly interfered with responding law enforcement and placed Hiawassee Police Officer Jose Carvajal under arrest at the scene.

The grand jury indictment reportedly includes the following charges:

1. False imprisonment
2. Violation of oath of office by a public officer
3. Obstruction of an officer
4. Official oppression
5. Simple battery
6. Reckless conduct
7. Public officer influencing another’s duties

If convicted, Henderson could face penalties ranging from misdemeanor jail time to felony-level sanctions, depending on the counts upheld in court.

Governor Brian Kemp previously suspended Henderson for 60 days earlier this month, pending the outcome of the investigation.

In the meantime, former Sheriff Chris Clinton has been sworn in as acting sheriff to maintain operations at the Towns County Sheriff’s Office.

The Enotah Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office confirmed that all defendants, including Henderson, are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Neither Henderson nor his attorney have issued a public statement as of Tuesday morning.

Check back with FYN for updates in this case!