Former Long and McIntosh deputy arrested for injuring K-9 officer

A former southeast Georgia sheriff's deputy is in jail accused of animal cruelty involving a K9 officer. Richmond Hill officers arrested Matthew Ainsworth Thursday at a home in Richmond Hill. According to RHPD, a report was filed on June 4, 2024, accusing Ainsworth of injuring the K9 officer assigned to him while working for the Long County Sheriff's Office. Police say the K9 officer has been transferred to another jurisdiction and is doing well. Ainsworth is a former McIntosh County and Long County sheriff's deputy; the dates of his employment are unknown. Ainsworth is currently incarcerated in the Bryan County Jail with no bond set. The investigation is ongoing.