Hiawassee, Georgia, September 21, 2025
News Summary
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has ordered an investigation into Sheriff Kenneth Henderson of Towns County after a confrontation involving Hiawassee police officer José Carvajal. The incident, captured in body camera footage, shows Henderson arresting Carvajal, who was assisting a wounded deputy. The Georgia Sheriffs’ Association requested the investigation, highlighting concerns about Henderson’s misconduct. A committee has been formed to report back to the governor within 30 days.
Hiawassee, Georgia – Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has initiated an investigation into Towns County Sheriff Kenneth Henderson following a confrontation that involved Hiawassee police officer José Carvajal. The executive order was signed on a Friday, a day after body camera footage from December 2024 was released by Atlanta News First Investigates. This footage shows Sheriff Henderson arresting Officer Carvajal, who had responded to assist a wounded deputy during an ongoing emergency.
Officer Carvajal, a combat veteran with service in both the U.S. Navy and Army, was on the scene after Deputy Austin Bradburn was shot in the leg. As the first responder, Carvajal applied a tourniquet to stop the bleeding and radioed a description of the assailant. The situation escalated when Sheriff Henderson questioned Carvajal about handling Deputy Bradburn’s firearm. During the emergency, Carvajal had mistakenly picked up the weapon while providing aid. Despite securing the gun in his waistband due to its evidentiary nature, he declined to handle it further until the Georgia Bureau of Investigation arrived.
The confrontation intensified as Sheriff Henderson physically confronted Officer Carvajal, placing his hands on him and forcibly spinning him around. Other deputies present were visibly shocked by Henderson’s behavior, with some intervening to diffuse the situation.
The decision to investigate Sheriff Henderson follows a formal request from the Georgia Sheriffs’ Association citing misconduct on Henderson’s part. This aligns with Code Section 15-16-26, which permits the potential suspension, removal, or prosecution of a sheriff. The executive order indicates that the Georgia Sheriffs’ Association has noted Henderson’s failure to perform his duties due to alleged misconduct.
Tensions between Sheriff Henderson and the Hiawassee Police Department have been ongoing. In 2022, an incident occurred where Henderson interrupted a traffic stop by an Hiawassee officer, claiming jurisdictional issues. Additionally, recordings have surfaced where Henderson expressed dissatisfaction about staff dining with city police officers, labeling them as his “enemies.”
Governor Kemp has appointed an investigative committee consisting of Attorney General Chris Carr, Coweta County Sheriff Lenn Wood, and Newton County Sheriff Ezell Brown. This committee has been tasked with reporting back to the governor within 30 days regarding their findings and recommendations.
Attempts by Atlanta News First Investigates to obtain comments from Sheriff Henderson have been unsuccessful as of the current date.
FAQ
What action did Governor Brian Kemp take regarding Towns County Sheriff Kenneth Henderson?
Governor Brian Kemp has issued an executive order to investigate Towns County Sheriff Kenneth Henderson.
Why was an investigation launched?
The investigation was launched following the release of body camera footage showing Sheriff Henderson arresting Hiawassee police officer José Carvajal while he was responding to assist a wounded deputy.
What does the body camera footage reveal?
The footage reveals Sheriff Henderson questioning Officer Carvajal, who had inadvertently picked up the deputy’s weapon while rendering aid to the injured officer. The situation escalates with Henderson physically confronting Carvajal.
What prompted the request for investigation?
The request for investigation was made by the Georgia Sheriffs’ Association, citing misconduct by Sheriff Henderson.
Who is on the investigative committee?
The committee includes Attorney General Chris Carr, Coweta County Sheriff Lenn Wood, and Newton County Sheriff Ezell Brown.
Key Features Overview
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Investigating Authority | Governor Brian Kemp |
| Sheriff Under Investigation | Kenneth Henderson |
| Incident Date | December 2024 |
| Involved Officer | José Carvajal |
| Nature of Incident | Confrontation over handling of evidence |
| Committee Members | Attorney General Chris Carr, Coweta County Sheriff Lenn Wood, Newton County Sheriff Ezell Brown |
| Time Frame for Report | 30 days |
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Additional Resources
- Atlanta News First: District Attorney Calls for Special Prosecutor
- 11Alive: Death Investigation on Bell Mountain
- WJBF: Twins Found Shot to Death on Bell Mountain
- Wikipedia: Hiawassee, Georgia
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Georgia (U.S. State)
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