Georgia Sheriff Pleads Guilty to Groping TV Judge

Marietta, Ga. - In a shocking turn of events, Sheriff Kristopher Coody of Bleckley County, Georgia, pleaded guilty to the charge of sexual battery for groping acclaimed TV judge Glenda Hatchett. The incident took place during a law enforcement conference held last year.

Hatchett, an Atlanta attorney and the star of reality courtroom shows "Judge Hatchett" and "The Verdict With Judge Hatchett," courageously addressed the court, expressing the profound impact the ordeal had on her. "For this man to come up and violate me the way he did is unspeakable," she stated passionately.

It was during a conference hosted by the Georgia Sheriff's Association in January 2022 that Coody approached Hatchett while she was being introduced to a group of sheriffs at a hotel bar. Prosecutors revealed that Coody's actions involved groping Hatchett. Fortunately, quick intervention from Thomas Brown, a former DeKalb County sheriff, prevented further harm. Brown physically intervened, promptly removing Coody's hand from Hatchett's person. "I saw his hand go down on her left breast," Brown recounted to WSB-TV. "I grabbed his arm, threw it off of her chest."

In Cobb County State Court, Judge Carl Bowers handed down Coody's sentence. Coody will serve one year on probation, pay a $500 fine, and complete 400 hours of community service. Additionally, Joel Pugh, Coody's attorney, confirmed that his client tendered his resignation to Georgia Governor Brian Kemp on Monday morning.

Sheriff Kristopher Coody had been serving as Bleckley County's sheriff since 2017. The rural community, situated approximately 40 miles southeast of Macon, is home to roughly 12,000 residents.

To protect the privacy of victims, the Associated Press does not typically disclose their identities unless they choose to come forward, as Hatchett has bravely done in this instance.