Ga. police chief accused of using excessive force on woman in custody
A Georgia police chief was charged this week after being accused of assaulting a woman in custody, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
Eatonton Police Chief Kent Lawrence was charged with two counts of simple battery and one count of battery, according to a news release. On Wednesday, Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit District Attorney Stephen Bradley requested that the GBI’s Milledgeville office investigate allegations of Lawrence using excessive force against a female in custody at the Eatonton Police Department.
The preliminary investigation revealed that a 58-year-old woman had been arrested by Eatonton Police about 5:15 p.m. Tuesday for suspicion of driving under the influence. The officer transported the female to the police department for processing. While at the Eatonton Police Department, the woman said Lawrence used excessive force against her while she was handcuffed.
Lawrence was transported to the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, where he was processed. Lawrence has been released from the sheriff’s office. He is scheduled to appear in court in February, according to reports.
About the Author
Stephanie has been telling stories her whole life. Her interest in the written word started with short stories and journal entries about run-ins with classroom bullies as a child and matured to writing for her high school newspaper over the years. She has written and edited for The Tennessean, Augusta Chronicle and American City & County.
