Rabun County Sheriff Arrested by GBI and Charged with Sexual Assault

RABUN COUNTY, GA. – The race for Rabun County sheriff took an unexpected turn Friday with the arrest of Sheriff Chad Nichols, a candidate for re-election.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has arrested the Rabun County sheriff as part of an investigation into sexual assault accusations.

The GBI announced that Sheriff Chad Nichols, 45, was in custody on charges of public indecency, sexual assault and violation of oath by a public official.

The GBI issued a written statement saying in part:

“On Friday, May 24, Mountain Judicial District Attorney George Christian requested the GBI to investigate an incident involving Nichols. Nichols turned himself in on Friday and was booked into the Rabun County Detention Center. This investigation is active and ongoing.”

GBI agents say Mountain Judicial District Attorney George Christian asked them to investigate “an incident” involving the sheriff on May 24.

Nichols turned himself in and is now in custody at the Rabun County Detention Center.

Authorities have not shared any details about the investigation or the alleged incident. The investigation is ongoing.

A source told FOX 5 the alleged incident happened at a local business where the sheriff was holding a campaign rally on primary election day, May 21.

The victim reportedly told investigators that the sheriff initially tried to leave her alone in the building, but she refused. She also allegedly later saw Nichols naked, engaged in a sexual act.

Bail was set at $32,500. As a condition of his release, Sheriff Nichols cannot be directly involved in and/or direct law enforcement activities in his personal capacity or in his capacity as Sheriff of Rabun County.

Rabun County Sheriff's Office spokesman Kevin Angell said Maj. Beth Darnell will assume the role of acting sheriff.

“There will be a second round of elections on June 18, where there will be another candidate, and so probably once these elections are over, decisions will be made. They may even be made to the extent that decisions are made by the governor, to name this person.

Once the investigation is complete, the case will be turned over to the Mountain Judicial District Attorney for prosecution.