by Keka Araújo
December 15, 2025
The sheriffs explicitly argue that the GSA’s pursuit of charges undermines the very moral basis of their occupation.
A formidable contingent of 11 Georgia sheriffs has issued a public condemnation of the Georgia Sheriffs’ Affiliation (GSA) for its controversial determination to pursue lawyer’s charges from the Honorable Decide Glenda Hatchett, a documented survivor of sexual battery.
The sheriffs, representing populous counties together with Fulton, Cobb, and Gwinnett, delivered a proper letter to the GSA Government Board on August 6, 2025, imploring the group to withdraw its authorized declare instantly. They contend that the motion towards the well-known tv decide—who former Bleckley County Sheriff Kris Coody assaulted—is morally indefensible and severely compromises the integrity of legislation enforcement establishments.
“We’re writing to precise our deep concern and ethical opposition to the Georgia Sheriffs’ Affiliation’s current authorized motion in search of damages and lawyer’s charges from Decide Glenda Hatchett—a survivor of a documented and adjudicated incident of sexual battery,” a spokesperson shared with BLACK ENTERPRISE.
The controversy stems from the GSA’s authorized submitting, which categorized Decide Hatchett’s withdrawn lawsuit towards the group and Coody as “frivolous” and sought monetary recompense. This transfer comes regardless that former Sheriff Coody pleaded responsible to misdemeanor sexual battery in reference to the 2022 incident and subsequently resigned from workplace.
The signing sheriffs are characterizing the sheer audacity of the GSA’s declare towards a sufferer as an unconscionable abuse of authorized course of. To weaponize the court docket system towards an individual who has already endured bodily violence and authorized proceedings for that violence represents a profound moral lapse.
The motion goes past simply authorized posturing; it indicators a devastating lack of empathy and prioritizes institutional protection over human dignity. It’s a rare demand for monetary sacrifice from somebody whose struggling has already been acknowledged by the prison justice system.
The signatories assert that the GSA’s determination dangers retraumatizing a sufferer whose assailant has already been convicted, whereas additionally sending a chilling message to different survivors contemplating coming ahead, particularly in circumstances involving high-ranking officers.
“Simply because you’ll be able to… doesn’t imply it’s best to,” the sheriffs collectively wrote, utilizing an previous adage to rebuke the affiliation’s authorized prerogative. “This plan of action sends a chilling message to survivors of sexual violence in Georgia and past.”
The sheriffs’ stance was instantly backed by legislative leaders, with Georgia State Representatives Viola Davis (D-Stone Mountain), Kim Schofield (D-Atlanta), and Sandra Scott (D-Rex) asserting that they, too, have submitted a proper letter to the Georgia Sheriffs’ Affiliation condemning the motion. Of their letter, the representatives name on the affiliation to withdraw the declare, challenge a public assertion supporting survivors, and undertake new insurance policies to forestall future punishment of victims who search justice.
“This isn’t only a authorized matter; it’s a ethical one,” mentioned Rep. Davis. “We stand with the 11 sheriffs who’re upholding the best beliefs of legislation enforcement.”
Rep. Schofield added, “No survivor needs to be punished for in search of justice, particularly when the offender holds a place of authority.”
“We name on the Georgia Sheriffs’ Affiliation to withdraw this dangerous declare and publicly reaffirm its dedication to survivors of sexual violence,” mentioned Rep. Scott.
The sheriffs explicitly argue that the GSA’s pursuit of charges—that are usually awarded in circumstances solely deemed with out benefit—undermines the very moral basis of their occupation.
“Searching for lawyer’s charges from a sufferer of sexual assault—significantly in a case the place the offender was one of many highest-ranking legislation enforcement officers of the state—undermines the ethical compass our group purports to uphold: justice, accountability, and assist for the susceptible.”
Coody, who was sentenced to probation and group service, drunkenly groped Decide Hatchett’s breast throughout a GSA convention, an incident corroborated by the testimony of a former DeKalb County sheriff who bodily intervened.
The eleven sheriffs, together with Patrick Labat (Fulton County), Craig Owens (Cobb County), and Melody Maddox (DeKalb County), affirmed their dedication to restoring public confidence and upholding the dignity of survivors. They concluded their letter with an unreserved demand for a immediate reversal.
“We urge you, within the strongest potential phrases, to instantly withdraw your declare for lawyer’s charges and to challenge a public reaffirmation of your assist for victims of sexual violence. This isn’t merely a authorized matter—it’s a ethical one.”
Because the Georgia Sheriffs’ Affiliation faces strain to reverse its declare, the decision for justice stays paramount. Readers are urged to contact the GSA Government Board to advocate for the fast withdrawal of the request for Decide Hatchett’s lawyer’s charges.
Help survivors—demand accountability.
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