GBI arrests suspended Towns County sheriff on theft, oath violations

HIAWASSEE, Ga. — The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has arrested and charged suspended Towns County Sheriff Ken Henderson, 67, of Young Harris, with theft by deception, false statements and writings, sale of real or personal property to a political subdivision by a local officer or employee, and three counts of violation of oath of office.

Henderson was suspended by Gov. Brian Kemp June 27 after the governor issued an executive order launching a new investigation into allegations of misconduct in office, according to state records and prior reporting. The order came after a review panel appointed by Kemp recommended the suspension, which is authorized for up to 60 days under Georgia law while an investigation is conducted.

The suspension was the latest in a series of actions involving Henderson, who had previously been removed from office under an earlier state investigation and remains under scrutiny in separate criminal proceedings, according to the governor’s office.

According to the GBI, the arrest stems from a request on May 28, 2026, by the Enotah Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for an independent investigation following concerns identified during a Towns County annual audit. Investigators determined a check had been issued to Henderson from one of the Towns County Sheriff’s Office bank accounts.

Henderson was booked into the Towns County Detention Center.

The investigation remains active and ongoing, according to the GBI. Authorities said anyone with information is asked to contact the GBI Regional Investigative Office in Cleveland at 706-348-4866. Anonymous tips may also be submitted at 1-800-597-TIPS, online at https://gbi.georgia.gov/submit-tips-online, or through the See Something, Send Something mobile app.

Once the investigation is complete, the case file will be turned over to the Appalachian Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for review and possible prosecution. That office was appointed by the Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council of Georgia to handle this case as well as a prior GBI investigation involving Henderson.