Hiawassee, Georgia, September 22, 2025
News Summary
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has ordered an inquiry into Towns County Sheriff Kenneth Henderson after misconduct allegations surfaced. The investigation, led by special prosecutor Frank Wood, stems from an incident involving Hiawassee police officer José Carvajal, who intervened during a shooting. Tensions escalated between Henderson and Carvajal during the chaotic scene, leading to further scrutiny of Henderson’s conduct. This inquiry highlights ongoing issues within the sheriff’s management and relationships with local law enforcement.
Hiawassee, Georgia
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has ordered an inquiry into Towns County Sheriff Kenneth Henderson following an Atlanta News First report detailing misconduct allegations. Frank Wood, district attorney for the Appalachian Judicial Circuit, has been appointed as the special prosecutor for this investigation.
The inquiry was initiated based on a letter from the Georgia Sheriff’s Organization that requested an investigation into Henderson for “apparent misconduct” and “possible criminal behavior,” which allegedly occurred in December 2024. The inquiry centers around an incident involving Hiawassee police officer José Carvajal, a combat veteran, who intervened to assist a wounded deputy, Austin Bradburn, at the scene of a shooting.
Officer Carvajal, although outside his jurisdiction, responded to aid Deputy Bradburn, who had sustained a gunshot wound to his leg. Body camera footage obtained by Atlanta News First Investigates depicts Carvajal employing military training to control Bradburn’s bleeding and gather information about the suspect involved in the shooting.
The situation escalated when Sheriff Henderson arrived and questioned Carvajal about the handling of the deputy’s gun. During the chaotic scene, Carvajal mistakenly picked up Deputy Bradburn’s firearm but returned it to the holster once he realized it was considered evidence. Following emergency personnel’s advice not to touch the firearm until the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) arrived, Henderson’s agitation grew, leading to a confrontation.
As tensions rose, Carvajal reportedly told Henderson to “get away from me” and attempted to walk away. Henderson subsequently followed Carvajal, placed his hands on him, and spun him around during the altercation. This exchange was observed by other deputies on the scene, some of whom expressed shock at Henderson’s behavior and intervened to restrain him.
In response to the controversy, Sheriff Henderson utilized social media, posting a message on the Towns County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page. He referred to “misinformation” surrounding the incident and asserted that Carvajal had unlawfully interfered and contaminated evidence. Henderson further noted that the investigation of the incident remains under the GBI’s jurisdiction.
The Georgia Sheriffs’ Association has indicated that Henderson is not fulfilling the required duties of his office due to allegations of misconduct. In connection with the inquiry, Governor Kemp has established a three-member investigative committee that includes Attorney Chris Carr as well as two sheriffs, Lenn Wood and Ezell Brown. The committee has been directed to report back to the governor within 30 days.
Previously, Sheriff Henderson was involved in a separate incident in 2022 where he interrupted a Hiawassee police traffic stop, raising questions about jurisdiction. Under Georgia law, sheriffs may face suspension, removal, or prosecution based on findings from such investigations. If ongoing evidence warrants further action, the governor may continue the investigation through various agencies or special committees.
It is also noteworthy that Deputy Austin Bradburn, who was injured in the shooting incident, has since been removed from his position at the sheriff’s office and arrested for filing a false crime report related to the incident. Enotah Circuit District Attorney Jeff Langley is overseeing the prosecution against Bradburn while recusing himself from the Henderson investigation due to conflicts of interest. This incident has shed light on ongoing tensions between Henderson and the Hiawassee Police Department and has raised concerns among deputies regarding Henderson’s management.
FAQ
What prompted Governor Kemp to order an inquiry into Sheriff Kenneth Henderson?
The inquiry was prompted by a letter from the Georgia Sheriff’s Organization requesting an investigation into Henderson for “apparent misconduct” and “possible criminal behavior” which occurred in December 2024.
Who has been appointed as the special prosecutor for the investigation?
Frank Wood, district attorney for the Appalachian Judicial Circuit, has been appointed as the special prosecutor for this investigation.
What was the incident involving Hiawassee police officer José Carvajal?
The incident involved Officer José Carvajal, who assisted a wounded deputy at a shooting scene despite being outside his jurisdiction. Body camera footage shows Carvajal utilizing military training during the emergency.
What actions did Sheriff Henderson take during the incident with Officer Carvajal?
Sheriff Henderson questioned Carvajal about handling the deputy’s gun, which led to an escalation where Henderson reportedly put his hands on Carvajal during the altercation.
What are the implications for Sheriff Henderson if misconduct is confirmed?
Under Georgia law, sheriffs can be suspended, removed, or prosecuted based on findings from such investigations.
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Inquiry Initiation | Ordered by Governor Kemp after misconduct allegations against Sheriff Henderson. |
| Special Prosecutor | Frank Wood appointed to investigate the claims against Henderson. |
| Incident Details | Involving Officer José Carvajal providing aid at a shooting scene. |
| Confrontation | Escalation between Henderson and Carvajal led to sheriff’s alleged misconduct. |
| Management Concerns | Rising tensions between Henderson and Hiawassee Police Department. |
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Additional Resources
- Access WDUN
- Wikipedia: Hiawassee, Georgia
- Atlanta News First
- Google Search: Hiawassee Georgia Sheriff investigation
- 11Alive
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Georgia
- WRDW
- Google News: Towns County Sheriff misconduct
- Now Habersham
- Google Scholar: Towns County Sheriff investigation
- Fox 5 Atlanta
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