Georgia Sheriff Pleads Guilty to Violating the Rights of Hundreds of Students in 2017 Drug Search

Jeff Hobby, a former Worth County sheriff, took a plea deal for three counts of violation of oath of office in Georgia and will serve 6 months in jail followed by 5 years of probation. 

The story is as follows. Hobby was indicted in October on the following charges:

• Sexual battery in Georgia
• False imprisonment in Georgia
• Violation of oath of a public officer in Georgia
• Obstruction of justice in Georgia,
• And interfering with witnesses in Georgia

According to reports, Hobby instructed and ordered deputies to carry out highly inappropriate and invasive body searches of 700 students at Worth County High School in 2017 during a drug search. This led to his suspension by Governor Nathan Deal in November. Later in December, Hobby allegedly ordered his former employees not to talk to anyone from the District Attorney's office or from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation regarding the case which led to more charges. 

District Attorney Paul Bowden stated in a press release: “The District Attorney's Office recognizes the toll the actions of Hobby and his subsequent prosecution have taken on all those involved. However, it is incumbent for our judicial system to hold all persons, including law enforcement, to the same standard. The District Attorney's Office is hopeful the resolution of this case will allow the victims, the Worth County Sheriff's Department, and the community to begin the much-needed healing process.”

Moreover, a $3 million settlement has already been reached had already been in federal court for the victims.

This goes to show the same concept I regurgitate whenever I write about people who have been accused of criminal activity, arrested, or found guilty. There are two sides to every story. Sometimes, it ends up being the people who the public would think are not capable of committing a crime who are guilty. Other times, it is the people who the public have automatically assumed guilt who are innocent. 

Bottom line - everyone should be presumed innocent until proven guilty. Sometimes this comes in the form of a plea deal as in Hobby's case. As a Georgia Criminal Defense Lawyer, I know not to assume anyone's guilt. Our firm has over 50 years of combined experience and are here for you. Whether you're innocent or have been wrongfully or inaccurately accused of a criminal offense, we are here to investigate the details of your case. 

If you or a loved one has been accused of a crime in Georgia, contact us today. You are facing the loss of your freedom, your rights, and your financial well-being. Contact us now.