Winder, GA –  On Friday, April 1, 2016, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) arrested former Barrow County Sheriff's Office deputy William Stephenson Mitchell, age 42, on two counts of sexual assault against a person in custody, one count of false statements or writings, and one count of violation of oath of public office.  All charges are felonies.   

The felony charges stem from an incident occurring March 12, 2016 when Mitchell was transporting a female in custody to the Barrow County Jail.  On March 18th, the Sheriff's Office learned of the allegations against the former deputy.  Barrow County Sheriff Jud Smith contacted the GBI on March 21st to investigate the matter.  Mitchell was terminated prior to any criminal charges being brought against him.  He had been employed at the sheriff's office for approximately eight years. 

Mitchell surrendered himself to the Barrow County jail without incident.  Once the investigation is completed, it will be turned over to the district attorney for judicial review.

Contact Information:

Nelly Miles - 404-270-8332