Latest news with #GeorgiaSheriffs'Association
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Yahoo
Sheriffs' Assoc. sues Judge Hatchett after sheriff's guilty plea for groping her
A Channel 2 exclusive in the sexual assault case filed by a prominent television judge against a Georgia sheriff. Judge Glenda Hatchett is being sued for damages by the Georgia Sheriffs' Association, after the Bleckley County Sheriff pleaded guilty to sexual battery in her case. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The judge did not rule on the case Wednesday. Hatchett sued former Sheriff Kris Coody after she says he groped her in 2022 at a Georgia Sheriffs' Association event in a bar at a Cobb County hotel. 'He grabbed my breast,' she told Channel 2's Karyn Greer in a 2023 interview. 'Grabbed my breast, was squeezing on my breast and rubbing my breast.' Coody pleaded guilty to sexual battery, admitting he groped her breast at the event. The former sheriff resigned, received 12 months probation, 40 hours of community service and a $500 fine. He was also ordered to take an alcohol and drug abuse course. Hatchett filed suit against the former sheriff and the Sheriffs' Association for legal fees and damages, asking for a jury trial. But she dropped that suit in May 2024 after it was moved to Morgan County. In a turn of events, the Sheriffs' Association, which represents sheriffs across the state, has now filed a civil suit against Hatchett. It claimed it was a frivolous lawsuit, demanding she pay the group's legal fees and damages. Greer reached out to the Georgia Sheriffs' Association and left a message for a comment. She also reached out to the Gwinnett County Sheriff Keybo Taylor, who is a member of the association. 'The incident was inappropriate and should have never happened … and that's not how sheriffs anywhere should act,' Taylor said. 'It's below the standards of sheriffs. I don't feel her lawsuit was frivolous.' [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Coweta County mourns loss of public safety advocate Norma Haynes
The Brief Norma Haynes, known as the "Mother of Public Safety" in Coweta County, passed away on March 10 at age 87, leaving behind decades of service to local first responders and her community. Haynes was Coweta's first female bailiff and founded the Newnan Coweta Public Safety Foundation, helping provide essential support and recognition to public safety workers. A lifelong Newnan resident, she was honored with multiple awards including the Georgia Sheriffs' Association Meritorious Award in 2005 and Coweta County Citizen of the Year in 2022. COWETA COUNTY, Ga. - Coweta County said a heartfelt goodbye this week to one of its most beloved citizens, Norma Haynes, who passed away on March 10 at the age of 87. Known to many as the "Mother of Public Safety," Haynes leaves behind a lasting legacy of service, compassion and dedication to her community, according to Coweta County Sheriff's Office. What we know Haynes made history in 1980 as Coweta County's first female bailiff, paving the way for women in local law enforcement. She later founded the Newnan Coweta Public Safety Foundation, a nonprofit that provided resources and recognition for first responders throughout the county. One of her most well-known contributions was the annual Public Safety Appreciation Lunch, which became a community tradition. The backstory A lifelong resident of Newnan, Haynes played a vital role in numerous community efforts over the years, including organizing the local celebration of the 1996 Olympic Torch Relay. Her work earned her several honors, including the Georgia Sheriffs' Association Meritorious Award in 2005 and the title of Coweta County Citizen of the Year in 2022. The Coweta County Sheriff's Office described Haynes as more than just a supporter—they considered her family. Funeral services were held this week as the community gathered to honor her memory. Haynes' influence on public safety and community spirit in Coweta County is expected to endure for generations. "Rest in peace, Ms. Norma," the sheriff's office said in a statement. "Your legacy will live on in Coweta County forever."
