The sole commissioner of Chattooga County has been arrested after a warrant was issued in a hearing on Wednesday.
Commissioner Andy Allen is accused of simple battery. William Wilson, the alleged victim, accused Allen of opening his truck door and attempting to pull him out of the vehicle, almost ripping Wilson’s shirt off in the process, according to an application for a criminal warrant signed by Wilson.
Chief Magistrate Judge Tracy Maddux recused himself from the case, Maddux said by phone. The presiding judge who signed the warrant was Judge Chris Griffin, Chief Magistrate in Whitfield County.
The case has been reassigned to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, at the request of District Attorney Clay Fuller, to eliminate the appearance of a conflict of interest, according to a March 20 letter signed by Chattooga County Sheriff Mark Schrader.
Maddux said Allen will have a state court arraignment next, probably in July.
Contact Kailee Shores at kshores@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6659.