Former Deputy Sentenced to Prison for Violating His Oath of Office:

Yesterday, May 21, a Newton County jury found George Rahming guilty of three counts of Violation of Oath by Public Officer. The three separate counts of violating his oath of office were based on the following conduct by Rahming while on duty, and in uniform, in July of 2023:

• Committing the offense of Sexual Contact by an Employee in the First Degree;

• Committing the offense of Solicitation of Sodomy;

• While on duty, buying condoms, taking the victim to a secluded area, soliciting sex acts, and having sexual intercourse.

These offenses began when Rahming pulled his patrol car next to a woman who was walking on the side of the road in his attempt to pretend he was doing so just to help her. Each of these offenses carry a minimum sentence of 1 year and a maximum sentence of 5 years.

George Rahming - convicted of 3 Counts of Violation of Oath of Public Officer

After the verdict, the Court held a sentencing hearing. The State and defense asked the Court for vastly different sentences. Ultimately, the Court sentenced the Defendant to 15 years with the first 7 years in prison along with numerous conditions.

The case was prosecuted by District Attorney Randy McGinley, Chief Assistant District Attorney Amber Dally, Chief Investigator Kelly Whire, Victim Services Director Leslie Smith, Victim Advocate Sophie Conner, Trial Assistant Danielle Miller, and Legal Assistant Desiree Kozikowski. The investigation was handled by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.

Law enforcement was first contacted by hospital staff when the victim disclosed what had occurred. The Newton County Sheriff's Office (NCSO) responded immediately to the hospital. Because the incident took place close to the county line, it was initially unclear what agency the perpetrator worked for. NCSO investigators interviewed the victim and then obtained surveillance footage from a gas station. It was then that they determined this involved the Defendant, who was employed as a deputy. Sheriff Ezell Brown immediately contacted the GBI to request them to take over the investigation.

I commend Sheriff Brown, his deputies and investigators that were involved in the initial investigation, and the GBI for their hard work and professionalism in this investigation. This conviction does not serve as a statement against law enforcement, but against one person, this Defendant, who used his authority and power for improper purposes.

Randy McGinley

District Attorney

Alcovy Judicial Circuit