Deputy’s Self-Inflicted Shooting Leads to Multiple Indictments, Raises Questions of Cover-Up and Jurisdictional Disputes
Towns County Deputy Austin Bradburn has been indicted on charges of false report of a crime, false statements to investigators, and violation of oath of office stemming from a December 2024 incident where he reported being shot. The incident also involved a physical confrontation between Sheriff Kenneth Henderson and Hiawassee Police Officer José Carvajal, leading to the governor suspending Henderson and ordering an investigation into his conduct. Body camera footage obtained by Atlanta News First showed the escalating situation and the sheriff’s subsequent actions toward Carvajal. A special prosecutor has been appointed to investigate Henderson’s actions, following a report by Atlanta News First.
John Q. Hosedrinker