Ga. Deputy Accused Of Sexually Assaulting Inmate

WINDER, GA -- A Georgia sheriff's deputy has been arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting an inmate.

William Stephenson Mitchell, 42, faces 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 felonies.

Mitchell is formerly of the Barrow County Sheriff's Office.

According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the charges stem from a March 12 incident, when Mitchell was transporting a female in custody to the Barrow County jail.

The sheriff's office learned of the allegations against Mitchell on March 18 and he was fired before the criminal charges were brought against him, the GBI said.

He had been employed by the sheriff's office for about eight years.

Mitchell surrendered himself to the Barrow County jail without incident, according to the GBI, which said the investigation is ongoing.