“I WAS OFF DUTY”!!! BELIEVE IT OR NOT, AUTHORITIES SAY FORMER GEORGIA POLICE OFFICER WILLIAM PAUL HATHAWAY MADE INAPPROPRIATE CONTACT WITH A CHILD UNDER 16… AND HE HAS NOW BEEN ARRESTED ON A FELONY CHARGE.
William Paul Hathaway, 54, is a former police officer in Georgia.
He stands accused of felony sexual battery against a child under 16.
The charge follows allegations that he made inappropriate contact with the child while off duty.
On July 12, the Gray Police Department received the initial complaint regarding the incident.
The department immediately requested independent handling of the case.
Local leaders asked the Georgia Bureau of Investigation to conduct the inquiry.
Following the complaint, the Gray Police Department placed Hathaway on administrative leave.
That administrative leave was paid.
Then the department ended his employment on August 7.
On August 20, agents with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation arrested Hathaway.
He was booked inside the Jones County Jail.
Under Georgia state law, sexual battery involves intentionally touching another person’s intimate parts without consent.
The statute elevates the offense to a felony when the alleged victim is younger than 16 years of age.
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A conviction on the felony charge carries a penalty of between one and five years in prison.
Authorities have not publicly released the exact age of the child.
They have also withheld the child’s relationship to Hathaway.
Officials have not released details explaining where the alleged contact took place.
And investigators have not disclosed when the alleged contact occurred.
Yet the investigation into the case remains active.
The GBI will turn over its completed investigation file to prosecutors.
That case file will go directly to the Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.
The report underscores that a badge, uniform or position of authority never gives an adult permission to touch a child inappropriately.
It also notes that authority never grants permission to demand secrecy from a child.
Guidance notes that if a child reports uncomfortable contact involving any trusted adult, listeners should remain calm.
Advice in the release recommends moving the child somewhere safe and reporting the matter outside that adult’s workplace when necessary.
Anyone who possesses information about the case can contact the GBI Milledgeville office at 478-445-4173.
Tips may also be submitted anonymously by calling 1-800-597-TIPS.
The charges are allegations and have not been proven in court.
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