Towns County Sheriff Indicted, Acting Sheriff Appointed Amid Department Turmoil

Pictured are Towns County Sheriff Ken Henderson, left, and Deputy Austin Bradburn. Both men were indicted by a Grand Jury on Monday, Oct. 27 in separate cases.

HIAWASSEE, Ga. — The Towns County Sheriff’s Office was rocked Monday as a grand jury indicted suspended Sheriff Ken Henderson on seven criminal counts, including multiple charges of violating his oath of office and false imprisonment. The charges stem from a December 2024 incident in which Henderson placed Hiawassee Police Officer Jose Carvajal under arrest at the scene of a shooting involving former sheriff’s deputy Austin Bradburn.

After nearly six hours of deliberation, the grand jury returned indictments against Henderson for violation of oath by a public officer, false imprisonment under color of law, two additional counts of violation of oath by a public officer, false imprisonment, simple battery on a police officer, and simple battery.

Witnesses in the courtroom said Henderson, flanked by his attorneys, appeared stunned as the indictments were read, reportedly whispering, “Was I indicted?” His legal team confirmed the decision with a nod.

Special District Attorney Frank Wood said arrangements for Henderson’s arrest and bond would be finalized Tuesday, noting that the sheriff will likely be booked at the Towns County Jail but is expected to be released quickly, likely on his own recognizance.

Carvajal, the officer involved in the December altercation, attended the proceedings in uniform and said afterward, “I’m glad that the justice system works as it should.”

The same grand jury also indicted former deputy Bradburn on charges related to making false statements about the December 13 shooting in which he was injured. Bradburn has now been indicted in Towns, Union, and Hall counties.

Earlier in the day, Enotah Judicial Circuit Chief Judge Joy Parks appointed retired Georgia State Patrol officer Anthony Coleman as acting sheriff during Henderson’s 60-day suspension by Gov. Brian Kemp. Coleman, a Towns County native and 1984 graduate of Towns County High School, commanded the GSP Gainesville Post beginning in 2016 and brings decades of law enforcement experience.

Judge Parks said Coleman’s appointment came from a short list of applicants presented to her, noting his familiarity with the community and strong professional background.

All individuals named in the indictments are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.