MARIETTA, Ga. — A sheriff in Georgia pleaded guilty to groping TV judge Glenda Hatchett while they were attending a law enforcement conference last year.
Bleckley County Sheriff Kristopher Coody pleaded guilty to one misdemeanor charge of sexual battery in Cobb County State Court.
Hatchett, who was emotional during her court testimony and at the news conference, said the incident has changed her life forever.
“For this man to come up and violate me the way he did is unspeakable,” Hatchett said in court.
Prosecutors said the incident happened at a conference for the Georgia Sheriff’s Association in January 2022.
At the news conference after court, Hatchett recalled the incident and said Thomas Brown, a former DeKalb County sheriff, invited her to the conference as his guest. When Coody allegedly grabbed Hatchett’s one of her breasts, and Brown had to physically intervene and pull Coody’s hand off of her body.
Hatchett filed charges the next day.
Coody was sentenced to one year on probation, a $500 fine, and to perform 400 hours of community service.
Per The Associated Press, the Coody’s attorney, Joel Pugh, said Coody sent a resignation letter to Gov. Brian Kemp Monday morning.
Hatchett, who starred in the reality courtroom shows “Judge Hatchett” and “The Verdict With Judge Hatchett” is an Atlanta-based attorney. In 2016, she represented the family of Philando Castile, a black driver who was shot dead by a police officer near Twin Cities.
During the news conference, Hatchett blamed Gov. Kemp for allegedly allowing Coody to remain in his post while also being paid after the incident occurred.
More about the allegations and news conference can be found here.
Falisha McGee is a Contributing Editor covering health and entertainment for BLK News Now! She is an activist and blogger who is passionate about the progress of Black Americans. She is also an avid supporter of Black women’s health and well-being. She can be reached at Falisha@BLKNewsNow.com.