ATLANTA _ The sheriff of Bacon County was arrested by the GBI on Wednesday for an incident that happened a week ago.
Sheriff Mark Cothren, 50, was charged with a count of elder abuse, violation of oath of office and battery for the May 22 incident, the GBI said in a news release.
Cothren allegedly assaulted a 75-year-old man in front of the sheriff's office, the release said. The GBI was requested to investigate the incident by the Waycross Judicial Circuit District Attorney.
The sheriff turned himself into the Bacon County Jail without incident.
The sheriff's office declined to comment to AJC.com and did not provide a booking photo. They referred all questions to the GBI.
Alma, which is the county's seat, is about 110 miles southwest of Savannah and 210 miles southeast of downtown Atlanta.
