Trenton city commissioner charged in sex case

Friday, December 2, 2011

photo Trenton Commissioner Charles Wayne Cannon

State agents arrested a Trenton city commissioner Thursday, accusing him of touching the breasts of his wife's friend and then lying to police about the incident, an arrest warrant shows.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation charged Chuck Cannon, 36, with sexual battery, a misdemeanor, said Special Agent in Charge Jerry Scott. Cannon also was charged with making false statements, a felony.

The charges stem from a three-month investigation, Scott said. Trenton police asked the GBI to help with the case when Cannon was first arrested in August, Scott said.

Cannon got into a fight with a lifelong friend and was charged with simple battery by Trenton police, records show.

But an arrest warrant alleged that on the same night, Cannon touched and placed his mouth on the breast of his wife's friend.

When the GBI asked Cannon about the incident later, he denied it took place, the warrant states.

Cannon said Thursday afternoon that he doesn't plan to resign from his position, but declined to comment further.

"I'll have my day in court," he said.

Trenton Mayor Barton Harris, asked by the Times Free Press about Cannon's recent arrest on Thursday, said it was the first he'd heard of the new charges.

He said he wouldn't comment until he has talked with investigators about the case.