COLQUITT COUNTY, Ga.(WTXL) — The Georgia Bureau of Investigation says a Colquitt County Jailer has been arrested on an aggravated assault charge and is under investigation following two separate use of force incidents.
The GBI was requested by Colquitt County Sheriff Rod Howell to investigate a use of force incident involving Colquitt County Jailer Russell Harris on June 27.
Harris was involved in a physical altercation with inmate Bobby Ellerson who had been fighting with another inmate.
GBI says inmate Ellerson was treated for injuries at a local hospital as a result of the altercations with the other inmate and Jailer Harris.
This case is still active and ongoing.
During the investigation, Sheriff Howell learned that Jailer Harris was involved in a separate use of force incident with another inmate that took place on March 13, involving Inmate Kirby Fender.
Sheriff Howell notified the GBI of this and then requested the GBI open a separate investigation into this incident as well.
As a result of this investigation, the GBI has charged Jailer Russell Harris with one count of aggravated assault, and one count of violation of oath of office for allegedly striking Inmate Fender.
Harris has been arrested on these charges and turned himself in to the Colquitt County Jail on Monday.
Authorities say once the case file is complete, it will be turned over to the District Attorney’s Office.
