OGLETHORPE, GA – As result of a use-of-force investigation requested by Georgia Department of Corrections (DOC) Commissioner Brian Owens, GBI agents, assisted by DOC, have arrested seven correctional officers at Macon State Prison.  

Each of the seven have been charged with 1 count of aggravated battery and 1 count of violation of oath of office stemming from an assault on an inmate at the Macon State Prison that occurred on December 16, 2010.  The inmate was hospitalized for an extended period of time.

The charges were brought against these correctional officers after GBI Agents conferred with Southwestern Judicial Circuit District Attorney Plez Hardin.

The GBI Regional Office in Americus initiated the investigation on January 5, 2011; the same day DOC Commissioner Owens called GBI Director Vernon Keenan to request a thorough investigation into allegations of inmate abuse.

The seven arrested are as follows:

CHRISTOPHER HALL
RONALD LACH
DERRICK WIMBUSH
WILLIE REDDEN
DARREN DOUGLASS GRIFFIN
KERRY BOLDEN
DELTON RUSHIN

The investigation into this matter is continuing.

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Contact Information:

John Bankhead - 404-270-8330