Former Georgia Sheriff Pleads Guilty to Sexual Battery Charges After Assault on TV Judge Glenda Hatchett
In a shocking turn of events, former Bleckley County Sheriff Kris Coody resigned and pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor sexual battery charge on Monday. The incident occurred in January 2022, when Coody grabbed the chest of renowned TV judge Glenda Hatchett. Coody’s attorney, Joel Pugh, confirmed the resignation and guilty plea.
As part of his sentence, Coody has been sentenced to 12 months probation and ordered to complete community service. Additionally, he must pay a $500 fine and undergo an alcohol and drug evaluation.
During a press conference, Judge Hatchett expressed her gratitude towards her attorneys and detailed the incident. She mentioned attending a reception where Coody approached her uninvited. While engaging in introductions, Coody poked her briefly in the chest. However, the situation escalated when he grabbed and squeezed her left breast, only stopping when someone intervened and pushed him away.
Former DeKalb County Sheriff Thomas Brown, who witnessed the assault, shared his account of the incident. Brown mentioned that he promptly intervened when he saw Coody grab Judge Hatchett’s breast, forcefully removing his hand from her chest.
While Judge Hatchett prides herself on her strength, she revealed that the incident had a significant impact on her emotional well-being. In the days following the assault, she experienced uncontrollable crying and struggled to get out of bed. She sought therapy to cope with the traumatic event and expressed her deep emotional distress during the court proceedings.
Judge Hatchett emphasized the powerlessness she felt during the incident, acknowledging the lasting scar it left on her. She resents the fact that someone could exert such control over her and make her feel helpless. Anger and frustration filled her as she recalled the freezing feeling that overcame her.
Following the incident, Coody tendered his resignation as sheriff in a letter addressed to Georgia Governor Brian Kemp. Pugh, Coody’s attorney, stated that his client takes full responsibility for his actions and regrets them. Coody believed that resigning was the appropriate course of action.
Coody served as the county’s sheriff for his second term, having been in the position since January 2017. His career in law enforcement has come to an end, and his future plans remain uncertain.
Bleckley County, where the incident occurred, is located in central Georgia and approximately 120 miles southeast of Atlanta. The local community has been left shocked and disturbed by the actions of their former sheriff.
The case serves as a reminder of the importance of holding individuals in positions of power accountable for their actions and the need to uphold the principles of justice and respect for all.