Habersham Co. Sheriff’s Deputy fired after being arrested in Stephens Co.

WNEG reports that a Habersham County Sheriff’s Deputy, who lives in Stephens County, was arrested earlier this month by the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office.  Ryan Kelley was arrested on one count of simple battery on August 5.  Since his arrest, Habersham County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Murray Kogood says Kelley’s employment has been terminated for violating his oath of office.  Kogood says the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a possible domestic violence incident at Kelley’s residence in Stephens County.  Kogood says he personally reached out to the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office to determine whether the information was accurate and, if so, what actions were being taken regarding the incident.  He was informed of an investigation by the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office.  Kogood says the investigation was based on the fact that the victim in the incident had alleged physical contact and that there was a possibility of criminal charges.  Stephens County investigators secured an arrest warrant after interviewing Kelley.  Kogood says he conducted an internal investigation and found that Kelley had violated his oath of office and Habersham County Sheriff’s Office policy and procedure.  On August 8, Kelley was released from the Stephens County Jail on a $1,000 bond.  According to an incident report filed by the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office, alcohol was a contributing factor in the incident.